60 Autonomous Electric Haul Trucks Achieve Site-Wide Operation at 5,400m Copper Mine

Deployment represents China's largest single-site autonomous haulage fleet at a metal mine, and the world's first site-wide autonomous BEV project above 5,000 metres.

BEIJING, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EACON Mining Technology and Tibet Julong Copper Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group, have achieved site-wide autonomous operation of 60 battery-electric mining trucks at Zhibula Copper Mine, above 5,400 metres.

Operating above 5,000 metres presents challenges including low atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels, strong ultraviolet radiation, and demanding working conditions. These conditions can complicate workforce retention and increase high-altitude personnel exposure, highlighting the need for autonomous haulage.

Technical challenges include freeze-thaw cycles, wet and slippery haul roads, snowfall and glare from snow and ice, as well as mountainous terrain and steep gradients.

EACON's autonomous haulage solution uses multi-sensor fusion and adaptive vehicle control to support operation in challenging environments. At Zhibula, these capabilities were validated under high-altitude conditions, enabling autonomous operation above 5,400 metres.

The 60 battery-electric trucks arrived onsite in September 2025 and initially operated with drivers onboard as autonomous functionality was introduced and validated. Validation for operation without safety drivers was completed within two weeks, followed by expansion of autonomous operations in line with site readiness and the mine's operational schedule. By the end of September 2026, all 60 trucks had achieved site-wide autonomous operation.

Project data indicates an 80% reduction in driver requirements, a 16% increase in daily effective working hours, and an expected reduction in carbon emissions of approximately 12,000 tonnes annually, supporting greener, safer and more efficient mining at Julong Copper.

EACON is also retrofitting 18 NTE240 rigid dump trucks at adjacent Julong Copper Mine with autonomous technology. These 220-tonne trucks are progressively being retrofitted and completing validation for operation without safety drivers, with some of the fleet now operating autonomously onsite.

About Julong Copper

Tibet Julong Copper Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group, operates China's largest copper mine by mineral resources. Located at up to 5,400 metres above sea level, Julong focuses on digital mine development and clean energy adoption.

About EACON 

EACON delivers the world's most deployed autonomous haulage system, with over 4,000 trucks automated and 40 projects across commodities including coal, iron ore, copper, gold, and zinc. Designed for interoperability, EACON's ORCASTRA® solution integrates with any OEM platform or powertrain, new or existing.

SOURCE EACON Mining Technology