Locator: 48843TRUCKING.
Locator: 48843EVS.
I'm not at liberty to reveal the source, but the EV truck industry in the US is dead. One large Class 8 truck manufacturer, at one location, a year ago, before Trump, was producing as many as twelve Class 8 EV trucks DAILY. That same facility is now manufacturing as few as two such trucks every MONTH.
The new game in town: autonomous. Autonomous trucking market doesn't necessarily mean over-the-road state highways and interstate highways, but could be used without much regulatory oversight in large mining operations, for example.
AI / large data centers run on four "things":
- natural gas;
- cooling;
- copper; and,
- concrete.
Going forward, "we're" going to need a lot of Class 8 cement trucks.
Electricity for AI / large data centers need two things:
- natural gas;
- natural gas turbines.
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Specialty Copper Mining Class 8 Trucks
Mining operations, especially large-scale open-pit copper mines, utilize a variety of heavy-duty trucks, some of which fall into the
Class 8 category, which designates vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 33,000 pounds. These are often referred to as haul trucks or mining trucks.
Here's how these specialty Class 8 trucks are crucial in copper mining:
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Hauling Ore and Waste: The primary function of these trucks is to move massive quantities of copper ore from the mine pit to processing plants or stockpiles, and also to transport waste rock (overburden) to designated areas.
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Capacity and Size: Haul trucks are designed to handle immense loads, with capacities reaching hundreds of tons. For example, the Caterpillar 797F can haul 400 short tons of ore. Some trucks are so large that their tires alone can be over 12 feet tall, and their blind spots can be the size of a football field.
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Durability and Off-Road Capability: These trucks are built to withstand the harsh conditions of a mine site, including rough terrain, steep grades, and heavy loads. They are considered off-road vehicles designed specifically for these demanding environments.
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Specialized Features: Beyond the basic hauling function, some of these Class 8 trucks in copper mining might have specialized features like:
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Electric Drive Systems: Some manufacturers offer models with diesel-electric or fully electric powertrains for increased efficiency and reduced emissions, according to Copper.org.
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Trolley-assist Systems: Some mines implement trolley-assist systems on ramps, allowing electric haul trucks to connect to overhead lines and operate more efficiently while reducing reliance on diesel fuel.
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Safety Features: Given their size, these trucks incorporate advanced safety features such as object detection systems, extensive lighting, and emergency braking systems to enhance operational safety.
Types of haul trucks: haul trucks commonly fall into three main types:
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Rear dump trucks: These are the most common type and offer versatility, good climbing ability, and ease of maneuverability.
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Bottom dump trucks: These trucks are designed for faster dumping cycles and can potentially carry heavier payloads for the same engine power but are less maneuverable and suited for less steep grades.
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Articulated dump trucks: Generally smaller in payload capacity compared to rear or bottom dump trucks, they excel in challenging terrain like wet or poor road conditions but have a shorter service life due to their lighter construction.
In essence, specialty trucks in the Class 8 category, particularly haul trucks, are the backbone of large-scale copper mining operations, enabling the efficient and safe transport of materials essential to the production process.
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Mining
The above was written earlier today. Now, later the same evening, this article.
The Trump administration is proposing nearly $1 billion in funding to speed the development of U.S. critical minerals and materials, used in everything from electric vehicle batteries to semiconductors, the Energy Department said on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
The department intends to offer funding to advance and scale up mining, processing and manufacturing technologies in the critical minerals and materials supply chains, sectors that have been dominated by China and other countries, the statement said.
