What it does
ZIRCON is a mobile, efficient, and maintainable charging solution for open-pit mining truck, featuring forklift-compatible mobility, translucent PET shielding for easier maintenance. Visualized charging status enhances safety and emotional recognition.
Your inspiration
With the global shift toward sustainable development, open-pit mines are increasingly adopting new energy mining trucks. This transformation has driven a growing demand for specialized charging infrastructure tailored to the mining environment.However, open-pit mining operations are characterized by constantly shifting work zones, driven by extraction cycles and evolving site conditions. The extreme working environment—marked by heavy dust, low visibility, and frequent maintenance—calls for a more efficient, adaptable, and easy-to-maintain charging solution. ZIRCON is designed precisely in response to these challenges.
How it works
ZIRCON is a charging station designed for open-pit mining trucks, offering an efficient, mobile, and easy-to-maintain solution for mining operations. The base integrates with forklifts, allowing dynamic relocation alongside mining activities. It features a transparent PET dustproof panel for easy identification of key components and fault indicators, reducing maintenance cognitive load. The visual display of the charging process aids feature and emotional recognition in low-visibility environments. ZIRCON supports the long-term development of new energy mining trucks in green mining transformation.
Design process
ZIRCON is a mobile Charging Station tailored for electric mining trucks in open-pit environments. Developed through a collaboration between China University of Mining and Technology and XCMG, it addresses the challenges of harsh conditions, frequent relocation, and low visibility. The grooved base design enhances structural identity and interfaces directly with forklifts, improving transport and setup efficiency. To ensure safety in low-visibility settings, LED strips visualize charging status and power distribution, while color shifts signal overheating. Internally, the layout is ergonomically optimized for easier maintenance. A PET dust shield clearly marks key components, supporting efficient repairs in dusty, high-wear environments. ZIRCON offers a flexible, intuitive, and service-friendly energy solution for the evolving landscape of sustainable mining.
How it is different
ZIRCON is a mobile charging station designed for dynamic mining environments. Unlike conventional fixed units, it features a forklift-compatible base for rapid relocation, boosting deployment efficiency. Integrated with mining operation platforms, it enables intelligent coordination between charging and task scheduling by dynamically allocating power based on battery levels and work priorities. Equipped with liquid-cooled DC fast-charging and a one-to-four gun setup, ZIRCON supports multi-vehicle high-efficiency charging. LED indicators visualize charging status and warn of overheating in low-visibility settings. Ergonomic internal layout and clearly marked components enhance serviceability. ZIRCON offers a scalable, system-level solution for smart mining operations.
Future plans
The ZIRCON Mining Truck Charging Station is currently in the prototype validation and testing phase. The design team, in collaboration with mechanical engineers from Xuzhou Runyang Technology, has completed the prototype fabrication and circuit layout. After the electrical engineering team finishes performance testing and safety inspections, a prototype field test is scheduled for later this year at an open-pit mine on the outskirts of Xuzhou to verify the Charging Station’s effectiveness.
Awards
2025 K-Design Award – Finalist
Share this page on