Client Background

The client operates a large-scale underground copper mine in Zambia's Copperbelt Province. This region is one of Africa's most significant copper-producing areas. The mine produces over 100,000 tonnes of copper annually. To keep that level of output going, they rely on high-capacity, reliable underground haulage equipment to move ore from deep mining zones up to the surface processing facility. As the mine expanded into deeper levels, the existing fleet of medium-tonnage trucks started to struggle. Haul distances got longer, and daily production targets started to slip.

Challenges

Haulage volume kept climbing: As operations went deeper, the distance from stopes to ore passes increased. The existing trucks needed too many trips per shift. That created a bottleneck that limited the mine's overall output.

Zambia's underground is tough on equipment: Copperbelt mines are known for high humidity, abrasive dust, and steep underground ramps. Braking reliability in these conditions is not just a performance issue — it is a safety issue.

Downtime was too high: Older truck models required complex, time-consuming maintenance procedures. The mine needed a truck that was simpler and faster to service, so they could get back to hauling ore instead of fixing machines.

Copper prices are unpredictable: The client wanted equipment that could deliver high productivity without the premium price tag of European alternatives. Total cost of ownership mattered more than the initial sticker price.

Beijun Solution

Shandong Beijun Group delivered a tailored solution featuring the UQ-35 underground dump truck, specifically engineered for heavy-duty haulage in demanding African mining conditions.

Primary Equipment: Beijun UQ-35 Underground Dump Truck (35-tonne capacity)
   Powered by a 420 HP Yuchai engine, paired with a 10-speed Fast transmission and Hande heavy-duty axles. This drivetrain delivers the torque and traction needed for steep underground ramps. The truck's frame is reinforced and cold-riveted, built with 300×80×(8+8+8) high-tensile steel. It is tough enough to handle heavy loads on uneven haul roads without bending or cracking.

Wet-disc braking system:
   The UQ-35 is equipped with oil-immersed wet disc brakes. The enclosed design keeps dust and moisture out, which is a big deal in Zambia's humid underground environment. On long downhill hauls, the brakes stay consistent and reliable, with no fade — a critical safety feature for heavy-load underground mining.

Maintenance-friendly design:
   All service points are easy to access with simple hand tools. That matters when you are working in a remote mine location. In one instance, a copper mine crew replaced a hydraulic pump on a UQ-35 in under 90 minutes using only basic tools. The same job on other fleet models previously took over three hours and required external lifting equipment.

Compliance and quality:
   The UQ-35 carries both China Mining Safety (KA) certification and EU CE certification, meeting international safety and quality standards.

Results

Daily tonnage jumped 26 percent: After the Beijun trucks went into operation, the mine saw a 26 percent increase in daily ore haulage volume. The higher payload per trip meant fewer cycles per shift, which also eased traffic congestion on the main haulage ramps.

Field maintenance was fast: The service-friendly design proved its value quickly. The hydraulic pump replacement — done in under 90 minutes with hand tools — became a talking point.That is significantly faster than the three-plus hours required for competing fleet models.

Braking performed without issues: The wet-disc braking system has been reliable in Zambia's humid underground conditions. During the initial operational period, no brake-related safety incidents were reported. The sealed design and superior heat dissipation ensure consistent performance even on long downhill hauls.

Productivity at a better cost: The UQ-35 delivers performance comparable to European brands at a substantially lower procurement cost. The fuel-efficient powertrain keeps operating costs per tonne hauled low. For African mining operators, this combination of performance and value aligns well with a focus on total cost of ownership.

Client Feedback

"The Beijun UQ-35 has made a real difference in our underground haulage operation. The 35-tonne capacity per trip has cut our cycle times significantly, and the maintenance team loves how easy it is to work on — we fixed a pump issue in under 90 minutes with just hand tools. The wet brakes give us confidence on the long down-ramp hauls. This truck proves you don't need to overpay for European brands to get reliable productivity." — Mine Equipment Superintendent, Zambia Copperbelt Operation