Anhui Conch deploys electric LiuGong fleet for zero-carbon mining

Conch Cement deploys electric mining trucks in south China

LiuGong has delivered a fleet of battery-electric wide-body trucks to a Conch Cement mine in southern China. The DW105AE models replace diesel haulers as part of the cement manufacturer’s strategy to eliminate carbon emissions from mining operations.

This deployment represents a concrete step in mine electrification for one of China’s largest cement producers. Conch Cement, formally known as Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited, received an MSCI ESG rating upgrade from BB to BBB in July 2025. The move to electric haulage aligns with both corporate sustainability targets and China’s national carbon reduction objectives.

The transition matters because mining transport generates significant emissions in cement production. While kiln operations dominate the carbon footprint, on-site material haulage contributes measurably to total output. Electric trucks eliminate diesel combustion at the point of use, cutting direct emissions from quarry operations.

Battery-electric trucks replace diesel fleet at working mine

The DW105AE trucks use high-capacity lithium battery packs paired with electric drivetrains. This configuration eliminates the need for diesel fuel in daily quarry operations. Consequently, the fleet produces zero tailpipe emissions during material transport between extraction points and processing facilities.

LiuGong previously supplied conventional diesel haulers to the same site. The replacement program demonstrates Conch’s willingness to retrofit existing operations rather than waiting for new facility construction. For UK businesses watching Chinese industrial decarbonization, this retrofit approach offers relevant precedent.

The trucks operate in a demanding environment. Mine sites require vehicles capable of handling heavy loads across variable terrain, often on steep gradients. Battery-electric systems must therefore deliver comparable performance to diesel equivalents while maintaining operational uptime through charging cycles.

LiuGong has developed charging infrastructure to support fleet operations. The company’s electric vehicle portfolio includes wheel loaders with 706 kWh battery systems and 600 kW fast-charging capability. These specifications suggest the mining trucks likely feature similar high-capacity power systems designed for rapid turnaround.

Conch Cement’s decarbonization strategy extends beyond electrification

Conch Cement operates as a publicly listed manufacturer headquartered in Wuhu, China. Founded in 1997, the company generates approximately $15.4 billion in annual revenue. It ranks among China’s leading cement and clinker producers, with operations spanning multiple provinces.

The company pursues several parallel decarbonization pathways. These include development of low-carbon cement formulations, substitution of fossil fuels with biomass and waste-derived alternatives, and implementation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. Electric mining fleets add another dimension to this multi-pronged approach.

Energy substitution accounts for roughly 9% of potential CO₂ savings in China’s cement sector, according to industry modeling. This figure encompasses fuel switching in both kiln operations and ancillary processes like material transport. Therefore, electrifying mine haulage contributes to a broader basket of emission reduction measures.

China’s cement industry faces substantial pressure to cut emissions. The sector produces a significant portion of the nation’s industrial carbon output. Meeting China’s 2060 carbon neutrality target requires the cement industry to achieve near-zero emissions, representing a 94-95% reduction from 2020 levels. Such targets necessitate fundamental changes in production methods, energy sources, and operational practices.

Electric construction equipment gains traction across Asian markets

LiuGong has delivered electric machinery to several major customers beyond Conch Cement. Holcim deployed 600 LiuGong electric machines across its operations, including wheel loaders, excavators, and trucks. In Vietnam, Xuan Thien Group took delivery of a fully electric construction equipment fleet from LiuGong in March 2025.

These deployments indicate growing acceptance of battery-electric technology in heavy industry. Early adopters typically face higher capital costs compared to diesel equivalents. However, lower operating expenses and reduced emissions provide commercial justification, particularly for companies with strong sustainability commitments or regulatory obligations.

Regulatory frameworks increasingly favor electric alternatives. China has implemented stringent emission standards for industrial equipment, creating financial incentives for electrification. Similarly, corporate customers face pressure from investors, customers, and rating agencies to demonstrate measurable progress toward carbon reduction targets.

The technology has matured sufficiently for demanding applications. Battery energy density improvements enable practical operating ranges for mining trucks. Fast-charging infrastructure reduces downtime between shifts. Electric drivetrains deliver instant torque, often matching or exceeding diesel performance in acceleration and grading ability.

Commercial implications for UK manufacturers and contractors

UK businesses in construction, quarrying, and heavy industry should monitor these developments. Electric plant equipment remains relatively scarce in British markets compared to Asia. However, regulatory trends suggest increasing pressure to adopt low-emission alternatives.

Public sector procurement already incorporates carbon reduction criteria. PPN 06/21 requires suppliers bidding for central government contracts above £5 million to publish carbon reduction plans. Many contracting authorities now evaluate emissions from plant and equipment as part of tender assessment. Consequently, companies operating diesel-heavy fleets may face competitive disadvantage in future bids.

Operating cost analysis favors electric equipment in many scenarios. Electricity typically costs less per kilowatt-hour than diesel fuel, particularly for businesses with time-of-use tariffs or on-site renewable generation. Electric drivetrains require less maintenance than diesel engines, reducing servicing expenses and downtime. For businesses with carbon pricing exposure or internal carbon accounting, eliminated diesel consumption delivers additional financial benefit.

However, upfront capital requirements remain higher for electric alternatives. UK businesses must evaluate total cost of ownership across expected vehicle lifespan. Factors include purchase price premium, charging infrastructure installation, electricity costs, maintenance savings, and residual value. Additionally, businesses should consider the availability of UK-based service networks for imported electric equipment.

Supply chain partners increasingly request emissions data from contractors and suppliers. Businesses serving sustainability-focused clients may find electric fleets strengthen their market position. For example, construction firms working on BREEAM Excellent or LEED Platinum developments might gain procurement advantage by demonstrating low-emission site operations.

What UK businesses should consider now

Companies operating vehicle fleets should conduct emissions audits across their plant equipment. This analysis identifies high-emission assets suitable for replacement or retrofit. Prioritizing vehicles with intensive daily use maximizes the financial and environmental return from electrification investment.

Engaging with equipment suppliers about electric alternatives makes sense, even if immediate purchase seems unviable. Lead times for electric plant machinery can extend to several months. Early dialogue with suppliers establishes delivery timelines and helps businesses plan fleet transition strategies aligned with contract pipelines and capital budgets.

Businesses should investigate available grants and support schemes. Although UK programs change periodically, funding sometimes exists for low-emission equipment adoption. Checking with regional business support organizations or sector-specific trade bodies may reveal applicable opportunities.

For businesses pursuing net-zero commitments or carbon certification, fleet electrification provides tangible progress. Unlike offset purchases, replacing diesel plant with electric alternatives delivers verifiable emissions reductions directly attributable to business operations. This supports credible climate reporting and strengthens corporate positioning with sustainability-conscious clients.

Companies should also evaluate depot infrastructure requirements. Electric fleets need charging facilities with adequate power supply. For businesses operating from leased premises, discussions with landlords about electrical capacity upgrades may prove necessary. Planning infrastructure improvements in advance prevents delays when electric equipment arrives.

Five key facts about electric mining fleet deployment

• LiuGong supplied DW105AE battery-electric wide-body trucks to replace diesel haulers at a Conch Cement quarry site in southern China.
• The trucks eliminate on-site diesel combustion through lithium battery packs and electric drivetrains, cutting direct CO₂ emissions from material transport operations.
• Conch Cement, which generates approximately $15.4 billion in annual revenue, received an MSCI ESG rating upgrade to BBB in July 2025.
• China’s cement industry must reduce emissions by 94-95% from 2020 levels to achieve near-zero output by 2060, requiring fundamental operational changes.
• LiuGong has deployed electric machinery with major customers including 600 units for Holcim and complete electric fleets for Vietnamese construction group Xuan Thien.

Long-term outlook for industrial fleet electrification

Electric plant equipment will likely become standard rather than exceptional over the next decade. Battery technology continues improving in energy density, charging speed, and lifecycle durability. Manufacturing scale increases as major equipment producers expand electric model ranges, which should gradually reduce purchase price premiums.

Charging infrastructure development will prove critical to widespread adoption. For mining and quarrying operations, on-site charging using grid connections or renewable generation offers practical solutions. Construction sites present greater complexity due to temporary nature and variable power availability. Mobile charging units and battery swap systems may emerge as interim solutions for such applications.

Conch Cement’s approach combines multiple decarbonization strategies rather than relying solely on electrification. The company pursues low-carbon cement formulations, alternative fuel sources, and carbon capture technologies alongside electric fleets. This portfolio approach recognizes that no single measure suffices to achieve near-zero emissions in cement production.

UK businesses should similarly adopt multi-faceted approaches. Fleet electrification forms one component of broader carbon reduction strategies. Other measures might include renewable energy procurement, process efficiency improvements, sustainable supply chain engagement, and material substitution where applicable. Our net-zero program for carbon reporting compliance helps businesses develop comprehensive reduction roadmaps across all emission sources.

The cement industry’s decarbonization challenge illustrates difficulties facing hard-to-abate sectors. Process emissions from clinker production dominate the carbon footprint, requiring technological solutions beyond simple fuel switching. Nevertheless, addressing emissions from ancillary operations like material transport delivers meaningful progress and demonstrates commitment to systematic carbon reduction.

Where to find additional information on industrial decarbonization

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes guidance on industrial emissions reduction and net-zero strategy. Their resources cover regulatory frameworks, support schemes, and sector-specific decarbonization pathways relevant to UK businesses.

The UK government’s PPN 06/21 guidance explains carbon reduction plan requirements for public sector suppliers. Understanding these procurement criteria helps businesses identify commercial drivers for fleet electrification and other emission reduction measures.

For businesses seeking practical support with carbon measurement and reduction planning, our ESG compliance and carbon reporting services provide structured approaches to emissions auditing, target setting, and progress tracking. We work with SMEs across construction, manufacturing, and professional services to develop credible decarbonization strategies grounded in operational realities.

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment offers technical guidance on environmental management systems and sustainability reporting standards. Their resources help businesses understand evolving expectations around climate disclosure and environmental performance.