Cummins Inc. has announced the deployment of the world’s first commercial hybrid-electric ultra-class mining truck into production at the Caserones open pit copper-molybdenum mine in Tierra Amarilla, Chile. The pilot, conducted at the Lundin Mining-owned site, features a retrofitted 300-ton Komatsu haul truck utilizing a hybrid solution powered by First Mode technology.
The milestone follows the one-year anniversary of Cummins’ acquisition of First Mode. The project involved collaboration between Cummins, Komatsu and Lundin Mining to adapt the hybrid electric solution for the specific requirements of ultra-class haulage and the high-altitude conditions of the Andes.
The Cummins First Mode hybrid system is designed as a retrofit kit for existing ultra-class mining haul truck fleets. It integrates a Cummins QSK60 diesel engine with a modular, interchangeable high-power electric battery system.
A central feature of the system is regenerative braking, which captures energy generated during loaded downhill hauls and stores it onboard. Intelligent control software manages the power flow between the engine and battery to optimize efficiency, reliability and performance throughout the truck’s full duty cycle.
Operating at elevations exceeding 4,000 meters, the hybrid system is intended to demonstrate that hybridization can deliver measurable efficiency improvements without disrupting production. The steep haul profiles at the Caserones mine provide a proving ground for energy capture and performance in demanding environments.
The project aligns with Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy, which focuses on delivering solutions that reduce emissions during the energy transition while working toward a lower-carbon future.
"Partnerships like this are essential to accelerating the deployment of practical, scalable decarbonization solutions," said Molly Puga, general manager of First Mode.
Lundin Mining is utilizing the pilot to support its goals for operational excellence and emissions reduction. Marcelo Maccioni Quezada, managing director at Caserones, stated the solution is designed to be seamlessly integrated into existing operations while providing a scalable pathway to meaningful emissions reductions.
The pilot will continue to validate performance, durability and energy recovery in real-world conditions. Data gathered from the operation will inform the development of future commercial hybrid solutions, which Cummins aims to design for up to 30% reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.
