Three 296 t class Hitachi EH5000 rigid dump trucks operating at Barrick’s Lumwana copper mine in Zambia have each surpassed 100,000 operating hours, marking a significant milestone in mining equipment reliability and underscoring the long-standing partnership between Barrick and Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM).
The achievement was celebrated during a recognition ceremony attended by representatives from Barrick, Hitachi Construction Machinery Africa (HCAF) and Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia (HCMZ).
Speaking on behalf of HCM, HCAF and HCMZ, HCAF Managing Director Toshiya Hasemi congratulated Barrick on the achievement, describing it as a testament to the reliability of Hitachi equipment and the dedication and expertise of those who operate and maintain the machines.
“This is a truly outstanding accomplishment, reflecting not only the reliability and durability of Hitachi mining trucks, but also the dedication, professionalism and teamwork of everyone involved in their operation and maintenance,” Hasemi said.
Hasemi noted that the achievement also reflects the strong partnership between Barrick and HCMZ, thanking employees from both organizations for their contributions to the success.
Barrick Lumwana Operations Manager Tim Wride praised the quality and performance of Hitachi equipment, as well as the support provided by HCM Zambia throughout the life of the fleet. “The support from HCM Zambia has been exceptional, and the performance of the Hitachi equipment has played an important role in our operations,” Wride said.
Wride said Barrick is pursuing plans to significantly expand its operations through increased processing capacity and mining activities. “As we move toward doubling production through both the processing plant and mining operations, we will require additional equipment to support that growth,” he said.
While other OEMs also currently operate at the mine, Wride noted that Hitachi is a worthy option to support Lumwana’s future expansion. “As you know, there are yellow machines, but there is certainly an opportunity for additional Hitachi or LANDCROS machines at our operation in the near future,” he said.
Wride also recognised the collective efforts of multiple departments across the mine whose commitment to safety and operational excellence made the 100,000-hour achievement possible. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Training, Mining Operations, Maintenance and Safety teams for their visible efforts in achieving the landmark accomplishment.
During the ceremony, HCMZ recognized the contributions of Barrick’s leadership team, including Operations Manager Tim Wride, Engineering Manager Keiran Whitehead, OC HME Lead – AME Barrick Andrew Roston, and Ultra-Class Fleet Maintenance Manager Brett Fairweather. Recognition was also extended to Country Manager Anthony Malenga and General Manager Herbert Cawood, who were unable to attend the event.
Hasemi reflected on his time in HCM’s Mining Business Unit in Japan, recalling how Barrick’s order for an additional five EH5000 trucks more than a decade ago was fulfilled despite strong global demand and limited inventory. “We believed that honouring our promise to a customer was more important than anything else,” Hasemi said. “Today, standing here with all of you and celebrating this incredible achievement, I feel proud when I look back on that decision.”
Looking ahead, HCM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Barrick Lumwana Mine with reliable equipment, innovative technologies and world-class service. “Together, we will continue to pursue even higher levels of safety, productivity and sustainability in mining,” Hasemi said.
The event also provided an opportunity to introduce the LANDCROS brand, which HCM will adopt as it transitions to LANDCROS Corporation on April 1, 2027, reflecting the company’s evolution toward open, integrated solutions for the mining industry.
Speaking on behalf of Nobuhiko Saito – HCMZ Company President, HCMZ Sales and Marketing Manager Mwansa Kunda explained that LANDCROS represents the crossing of boundaries through innovation, technology and open solutions designed to address evolving customer needs.
“For strategic customers such as Barrick, LANDCROS represents our commitment to delivering open solutions that integrate engineering excellence, digital innovation and sustainability to create lasting value for mining operations,” Kunda said.
Kunda added that as HCM Zambia transitions to LANDCROS Zambia, customers can expect continued support for existing Hitachi fleets, an expanded product offering and the integration of advanced technologies aimed at improving productivity while minimising environmental impact.
The 100,000-hour milestone highlights the durability of Hitachi mining equipment and the power of collaboration between equipment manufacturers and mine operators. As Barrick advances its expansion plans and HCM transitions to LANDCROS, both organisations expressed confidence in continuing their partnership and achieving new milestones in safety, productivity and sustainable mining.
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