The companies have agreed to explore opportunities for mine operators to achieve net-zero emissions from mining machinery, while sharing expertise and commercialising solutions that can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The two will look at the potential to apply the electrification, automation and digital tech of ABB to Hitachi's trucks and excavators under a broader effort to electrify everything at a mine site from pit to port. Hitachi will also be adding its expertise in driverless operations as well as labour-saving technologies.

"The aim of the combined solutions is to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of customer businesses, contributing to the reduction of CO₂ and the realization of a sustainable society," ABB officials noted, adding that its pairing with Hitachi is just one collaboration it is developing with OEMs.

In fact, ABB process industries president Joachim Braun said, it is hoping its work will fast-track new systems to reduce emissions using electrification and automation of the whole mine.

He also stressed that ABB is ready to work more with equipment producers to "establish a common approach for the market" and, through strategic collaboration, offer ideas that can enable that low-carbon society and make mining operations more responsible.

"New emissions-reducing technologies can transform the energy-intensive mining industry to achieve an even more productive, but also sustainable future," Braun said.

"Today, the challenge of our customers is on electrification of trucks and the time to change is now, but nobody can achieve this transformation alone. Co-creation of solutions with OEMs and mining companies is needed to successfully integrate electrification in mines," ABB global head of mining Max Luedtke added.