Chinese heavy equipment manufacturer XCMG Machinery (SHE:000425) has officially delivered 100 autonomous, all-electric mining trucks to the Huaneng Yimin Open-Pit Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia.
The launch establishes the Yimin site as what the company claims is the world’s first mine to operate a fleet of 100 fully autonomous electric haul trucks.
The initiative, led by XCMG, integrates smart battery-swapping technology, autonomous vehicle clusters, and green energy systems, as revealed in a news release.
The vehicles feature advanced capabilities including AI-powered safety management, 5G connectivity, and photovoltaic-powered electricity.
Designed to endure extreme conditions, the trucks can operate in temperatures as low as -40°C and complete fully automated battery swaps in under six minutes.
According to XCMG, the new fleet delivers productivity 20 per cent higher than conventional manned operations.
The company estimates that the 100 vehicles will displace over 15,000 tonnes of diesel fuel annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 48,000 tonnes each year.
Yang Dongsheng, chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery, described the deployment as a landmark example of cross-industry collaboration.
“This initiative represents a convergence of energy, technological, equipment, and commercial revolutions,” Yang said.
“By partnering with industry leaders, XCMG has delivered a world-class blueprint for global green, intelligent mining. Starting with autonomous electric trucks, we will expand to unmanned excavators, drilling rigs, and loaders, creating a comprehensive zero-carbon, unmanned mining ecosystem.”
The project has also been acknowledged as a strategic advancement for China’s domestic mining capabilities.
Li Shuxue, chairman of Huaneng Inner Mongolia East Energy Co., Ltd., said the initiative supports national goals of industrial digitalisation and technological independence.
“This fully domestic, zero-carbon solution empowers mining with AI, enhances safety, and accelerates the industry’s digital transformation,” Li said.
“It is a pivotal step toward overcoming reliance on imported heavy equipment and advancing China’s high-quality development in mining.”
