Brokopondo – On the morning of August 23 (local time), Rosebel Gold Mines in Suriname welcomed a historic milestone as the first large-scale battery-electric mining trucks in Latin America and the Caribbean were officially commissioned at Zijin’s Rosebel operation. Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, Vice President Gregory Allan Rusland, Chinese Ambassador to Suriname Lin Ji, and other distinguished guests attended the launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking Suriname’s leadership in ushering the Caribbean mining industry into a new green, low-carbon, and smart era.
In her speech, President Simons expressed great interest in these “green steel giants” and encouraged Zijin to continue investing in new energy, new technologies, and new equipment, as well as to train more highly skilled Surinamese technicians, thereby contributing to Suriname’s sustainable economic development. Ambassador Lin Ji emphasized that Chinese enterprises are promoting global green and sustainable development as a key part of building a shared future for humanity, and highly commended Zijin for taking the lead in Suriname with the commissioning of these electric trucks.
Each of the newly deployed trucks is equipped with a 770 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, capable of operating up to 50 kilometers on a single charge under high-intensity conditions. Each truck reduces annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,500 tons – equivalent to the carbon absorption of 40 hectares of rainforest. The trucks not only feature zero emissions and low noise but also deliver a 70% reduction in procurement costs and more than 25% savings in operation and maintenance expenses, achieving both efficiency and environmental benefits.
Behind the successful deployment of these electric trucks was the determination of the Zijin team to overcome significant challenges. From transporting the equipment over 20,000 kilometers to tackling the lack of heavy trailers and charging infrastructure in Suriname, the project team developed innovative mobile charging solutions to ensure the successful deployment of the vehicles, once again demonstrating Zijin’s spirit of perseverance and problem-solving.
Looking ahead, Rosebel Gold Mines will continue to accelerate its green transformation. In September, a second batch of 34 electric trucks will arrive, and by 2026, the fleet is expected to expand to 56 units. These will be supported by battery-swapping stations, with an annual ore-hauling capacity exceeding 20 million tons. The mine also plans to introduce electric loaders, electric employee shuttle buses, and plans to partner with Huawei to upgrade its communications network. Laying the foundation for autonomous driving and other intelligent applications, further advancing low-carbon, digital, and smart mining operations.
Rosebel Gold Mines General Manager Wang Qianjie stated that the successful commissioning of the battery-electric mining trucks is another vivid practice of Zijin Mining’s strategy of “building a green, high-tech, world-class mining company.” He emphasized that Rosebel will continue to uphold the principle of “both gold and green mountains,” driving the construction of green, low-carbon, and intelligent mining, setting a new benchmark for industry transformation, and creating more opportunities for Suriname’s socio-economic development.
