Things move fast in mining technology in China, especially when backed by one of the world’s largest mining companies. Back in January 2026, IM reported that Zijin Mining had begun producing its own battery electric mining trucks through a company it controlled called Fujian Longking, based in Longyan, Fujian Province.
This was highly significant given that Zijin itself is the world’s third largest metal mining company by market capitalisation, valued at over US$100 billion and sitting just behind industry leaders BHP and Rio Tinto. Up until now, the Chinese mining equipment OEM market has been dominated primarily by equipment focused companies with large product ranges across both construction and mining like XCMG, SANY, LiuGong, LGMG/SDLG and others.
At that point, this was the first time Longking had been mentioned in the Western mining press – and it had been little discussed in China at that stage either. After only nine months of development, it had built the battery electric LK220E truck, the first unit of which went to Zijinshan Gold and Copper Mine. This was followed by further announcements – by May, the company – then being referred to as Zijin Longking – announced that the first production line units had began leaving the factory, which went to Julong Copper Mine, plus there was a signing ceremony for a new contract relating to the larger battery electric LK350E.
From first launch in January, Zijin Longking has now deployed 43 units in China
Finally in August, another model, the 230 t class ZL230E was launched (the former LK350E), plus Zijin Longking signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese AHS leader EACON Mining. On to the present, and Zijin Longking already has its sights on the overseas market – next week its new Australian entity Zijin Longking Australia is a major sponsor and exhibitor at one of Australia’s leading mining events, IMARC 2026, in Sydney.
The company describes itself as the Australian market and distribution platform for Zijin Longking’s battery-electric mining haul trucks and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Backed by large-scale manufacturing capability, integrated battery supply and real-world operating experience across mining applications in Asia, it says the business is focused on supporting the electrification of Australia’s mining sector; adding that the Australian team is developing local sales, distribution, technical support and financing pathways to help mining companies deploy zero-emission haulage and energy-storage solutions at scale.
Back to China, and on October 20, Zijin Longking began its Xinluo Zijin Longking Intelligent Mining Truck Production Project, with a groundbreaking ceremony on a new factory held in Xinluo District, Longyan. The company said the project marks its transition from technology R&D and scenario validation to large-scale production.
The factory will cover almost 60,000 square metres, with a total investment of 550 million yuan. It will be a complete-process electric mining truck frame production line and complete vehicle assembly line, supported by specialised production workshops, an R&D centre, and administrative facilities. Once fully operational, the project will have an annual production capacity of 500 mining truck frames and 300 units of electric mining trucks, underground mining trucks, electric shovels, and other products, with an estimated annual output value of approximately 500 million yuan.
Ahead of IMARC, IM Editorial Director Paul Moore reached out to the company for some insights into its journey so far and spoke in some detail to Luke Matias, Executive Director of Zijin Longking Australia. As IM discovered, the company is already growing rapidly, with 43 trucks already deployed in China.
Q What is the Australian opportunity for Zijin Longking and what do your mining truck solutions bring to that mining market?
Australia’s mining industry is accelerating its transition towards lower emissions and cleaner energy. This creates a significant opportunity for reliable battery-electric haulage equipment that can support heavy-duty mining operations with zero tailpipe emissions. Our electric mining trucks have been developed in-house and proven in demanding operating conditions in China, including the high-altitude Julong Copper Mine and the highly corrosive environment at Zijinshan Gold-Copper Mine. We have deployed a total of 43 battery-electric mining trucks. This operating experience provides a strong foundation for our entry into the Australian market. Looking ahead, our ultra-class ZL360E, currently at concept design stage, presents a significant opportunity for larger mining companies planning to electrify their highest-capacity haulage fleets.
Q Which mining truck models do you see as having the greatest potential in the Australian mining sector and why?
We have updated our model names: the LK220E is now the ZL150E, and the LK350E is now the ZL230E. We have also developed the ZL70EI, a 70 t, fully electric autonomous mining truck designed without a driver’s cab. Both the ZL150E and ZL230E have strong potential in Australia. The ZL150E has a rated payload of 150 t and is well suited to medium and large open-pit mines. Its dimensions and payload capacity are designed to work with existing haul roads and loading equipment, helping to minimise infrastructure modification costs. At just 6 metres wide, it can support pit-floor operations without road widening where existing road specifications permit. It offers a practical option for replacing conventional diesel mining trucks at scale. The ZL230E, with a 230 t payload, is aimed at large and very large open-pit mines. It provides a high-capacity alternative to conventional diesel haul trucks and aligns with the fleet electrification plans of major mining companies. We are also developing the ultra-class 360 t class ZL360E, which is currently at concept design stage. We are designing it to become a class leader in battery-electric haulage for the largest mining operations, offering major mining companies a compelling future option for fleet electrification. We anticipate making the ZL360E available for order in early 2027. We recommend the most suitable model for each site based on production requirements, haul distances and gradients.
Q For the trucks deployed so far in China, can you comment on their operating performance and feedback from users?
Our electric mining trucks have performed well at Julong Copper Mine and other sites in China, maintaining equipment availability above 90%. Daily haulage can exceed 3,000 t per truck. In these operations, energy costs have been nearly 80% lower than those of conventional diesel mining trucks, while maintenance costs have also fallen significantly. Drivers have responded positively to the trucks’ handling and suitability for mine conditions, including the reduced need for frequent gear changes. Battery performance has also been strong, with one battery swap required per shift in these operations. There are currently 41 ZL150E trucks operating on site. Customer feedback has been positive, demonstrating the model’s practicality and reliability in real mining conditions.
Q What would you highly specifically as their operational upside and how does this relate to the design?
We see our trucks as a competitive option for mines seeking reliable performance and lower haulage costs. Our existing electric mining trucks use an innovative distributed drive system with independent drive across two rear axles. The ZL150E combines a rated payload of 150 t with fast-charging capability. Its dual-motor configuration is designed to handle demanding gradients and uneven mine roads. This design helps reduce overall haulage costs compared with conventional diesel trucks, giving mining customers a practical and cost-effective route to fleet electrification.
Q How would you describe your roadmap and overseas strategy?
Zijin Longking has a clear strategy to introduce electric mining trucks across Zijin Mining’s own global operations through a phased rollout, as well as to offer the technology in the wider market. Australia is a priority market, alongside opportunities in South America, Africa and other regions. For each site, we are assessing production requirements, haul distances, power infrastructure and local regulations to guide pilot testing and demonstration operations. This approach allows us to introduce proven electric haulage solutions progressively across Zijin Mining’s international operations and support the group’s transition to lower-carbon mining.
The 230 t class ZL230E at Zijin Longking’s HQ in Longyan
Q What is the current status of your Australian presence and when do you expect to have a truck in Australia ready for testing and trials with customers?
We are building our local operations in Australia, with a Zijin Longking Australia team already established and an office in Perth set up with full support from our head office. We are working with local partners on customer engagement, on-site technical support and product compliance and certification. As our Australian presence grows, we will continue to strengthen our local service capabilities to support mining customers. We plan to bring a ZL150E electric mining truck to Australia in December 2026 for on-site demonstration testing. The programme will assess the truck, battery and battery-swapping system in actual Australian mining conditions and evaluate compliance with relevant Australian Standards and safety requirements. We will collect key operating data on energy consumption, equipment availability and gradeability. These results will support future commercial deployment at scale. Separately, we anticipate making the ultra-class ZL360E available for order in early 2027. The model is currently at concept design stage.
Q Finally, can you comment further on the cooperation with AHS leader EACON and progress on that to date?
We have already conducted autonomous haulage trials at Julong Copper Mine in China, combining Zijin Longking’s electric mining trucks with EACON’s autonomous driving technology. This partnership model can also be applied in Australia. By combining our electric truck expertise with EACON’s autonomous driving technology and established Australian presence, we aim to offer mining customers an integrated electric and autonomous haulage solution. The collaboration can help Australian mines advance autonomous operations and reduce emissions.
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