MHU Starts Testing Electric Cargo Trucks for Low Emission Operations

PT MHU

JAKARTA - PT Multi Harapan Utama (MHU), a subsidiary of MMSGI, continues to strengthen the implementation of ESG practices in its mining operations. This commitment has been implemented gradually since the beginning of 2025 through the implementation of hybrid technology on the hauling fleet, and is now continued with the trial of SANY Electric Hauling Truck (EV Hauling Truck) in MHU's operational area, Loa Kulu, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, Saturday, January 24.

This electric truck trial is the next milestone in MHU's journey towards more energy efficient and lower emission operations. This initiative is carried out as part of the evaluation of the readiness of electric vehicle technology to support the operational needs of the mine safely and reliably.

The trial was carried out directly in the MHU site area to obtain an objective picture according to the actual working conditions. The evaluation is focused on the performance of transportation (hauling performance), the unit's resistance to the operational field, and the suitability of working hours with production needs. All processes are carried out based on data and field experience.

Head of Mining Engineering at MHU, Aris Subagyo, explained that this trial was part of a careful and measured technical approach.

"We conducted a trial of the SANY Electric Hauling Truck directly in the mine area to assess the performance of hauling, unit durability, and actual working hours in actual operational conditions," he said in a written statement, Tuesday, January 27.

According to Aris, every application of new technology in the mining environment needs to go through a thorough evaluation process.

"The results of this trial will be the technical basis for future decision-making, while prioritizing safety and operational reliability," explained Aris.

Operationally, MHU has prerequisites that support the development of electrification, including optimal access to PLN electricity supply and long-term mine life projections. This condition opens up opportunities for increased cost efficiency as well as strengthening the aspect of sustainability in the medium to long term.

The electric truck that was tested, the SANY 445 EV Dump Truck, is a new energy-based transport vehicle with an 8x4 drive configuration and a charging and swapping battery system. This unit is powered by an electric motor with a capacity of up to 460 kW, a torque of 2,900 Nm, a CATL battery with a capacity of 400 kWh, and a 360 kW charging system, equipped with safety and comfort features to support mine operations.

In terms of cost, based on the assumption of a four-year service life or about 16,000 working hours, the total cost of the MB4845K diesel dump truck cycle is recorded at around IDR 11.11 billion or IDR 690,800 per hour. Meanwhile, the EV dump truck recorded a total cycle cost of around IDR 6.71-7.15 billion or IDR 423,900-439,600 per hour, indicating the potential for operational cost savings of up to around 40 percent compared to diesel-based units.

This electric truck trial is a continuation of the implementation of hybrid technology through the HYDRUM innovation (Hybrid Dumptruck for Responsible Energy Use in Mining) which has been carried out by MHU since the beginning of 2025. The HYDRUM program was developed in response to the high fuel consumption of the off-highway truck fleet which previously reached an average of 26.7 million liters per year.

Through hybrid technology, MHU managed to reduce fuel consumption from 68 liters per hour to 36.70 liters per hour or about 46 percent, surpassing the initial target of 30 percent. During the period of February-June 2025, HYDRUM generated fuel savings of 1.22 million liters, cost savings of around IDR 19.9 billion, and a reduction in emissions of 3,067.9 tons of CO₂e.

President Director of MHU, Kemal Djamil Siregar, emphasized that the trial of the SANY Electric Transport Truck reflects the continuity of the company's ESG strategy.

"The implementation of hybrid technology through HYDRUM is the initial foundation in our operational transformation. This electric truck trial is a milestone to evaluate the readiness of EV technology as part of the energy transition that is carried out gradually and measured," he said.

He added that all of these initiatives were carried out while maintaining work safety, operational reliability, and production continuity.

MHU's commitment to integrating ESG aspects is also reflected in external recognition. In the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) Score 2025 by S&P Global, MMSGI as the parent company of MHU recorded a score of 52 out of 100 for the Coal & Consumable Fuels category, reflecting the development of sustainability practices and governance across the group entities.

Through this trial, MHU confirmed its commitment to continue developing technological approaches that support energy efficiency and emission reductions in a realistic manner. The results of the evaluation will be an important reference in the development of MHU's operational strategy in the future, in line with MMSGI's commitment to more responsible mining practices.