First Quantum Minerals wins UK patent and trademark for Quantum Electra-Haul trolley-assist system
First Quantum Minerals has secured a patent and trademark for Quantum Electra-Haul, its proprietary trolley-assist system for mine haul trucks, from the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Further patents covering additional aspects of the invention are pending with the office.
The Canadian copper producer said the filings were granted in summer 2026, formalising its long-running development of the technology.
Quantum Electra-Haul uses overhead power lines along the ramps out of open-pit mines. Trucks fitted with pantographs connect to the line, which activates their electric wheel motors and switches off the diesel engine. First Quantum says this cuts diesel consumption by up to 90% on laden up-ramps — where trucks consume the most energy — and saves around two minutes per trolley-assist stretch, reducing fleet requirements.
The company has more than 14 years of experience designing, refining and operating trolley-assist systems, with its first installation dating to 2011. In 2025 it logged almost 500,000 kilometres under trolley across the group, a record year. More than 15 kilometres of trolley-assist line is installed across its three largest sites, with a long-term ambition to cover up to 100% of each up-ramp cycle.
Trolley-assist at First Quantum's Zambian operations saved an estimated 45,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2025, according to the company. Combined with other pit electrification initiatives, savings at its Zambian mines exceeded 130,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
First Quantum is also trialling what it calls the world's first ultra-large full battery dump truck — a Hitachi Construction Machinery EH4000 AC-3 Battery — combined with trolley assist at the Kansanshi copper and gold mine in Zambia. The trial, run in partnership with Hitachi, began in June 2024 and is ongoing.
"The world needs copper to be mined in a responsible manner," said Gordon White, First Quantum's Director, Mine Operations & Technology. He called the patent and trademark confirmation "a strong endorsement of the innovation, precision and creativity that runs throughout First Quantum."
Sources
- Trolley-assist leader First Quantum Minerals secures patent and trademark for Quantum Electra-Haul (International Mining) — published 16 September 2026
- Electrified operations: Trialing a world first (First Quantum Minerals) — company insight page, accessed 16 September 2026