SURFACE LOADING
The Liebherr R 9400 E is already proving its worth for Fortescue in the Pilbara
Swing low
The drive with mine loading tools remains the same – increase productivity and efficiency across the board , with some new ultraclass introductions , plus the electrification focus remains . Paul Moore reports
As major miners look to meet interim emissions targets – now only five years way in 2030 , truck fleets get all the attention , but electric excavators are also playing their role . In December 2023 , iron ore miner Fortescue and Liebherr deployed Australia ’ s first newly built operational electric excavator , the Liebherr R 9400 E , at Fortescue ’ s Cloudbreak mine in Western Australia ’ s Pilbara . Since then , a second electric excavator has been deployed at Fortescue ’ s Solomon operations .
Liebherr says the successful integration of these machines into operations showcases the strength of it and Fortescue ’ s partnership and the companies ’ shared commitment to decarbonisation and innovation .
In a recent video filmed at the Solomon site , Fortescue and Liebherr-Australia discussed their experiences to date working with the R 9400 E . Mark Kouwenhoven , General Manager of Fortescue ’ s Solomon mine , highlighted the performance of the R 9400 E : ‘ We have seen the electric excavator deliver the same robust power and productivity as its diesel counterparts but with zero fuel-related emissions , lower operational costs and a reduced environmental footprint .” Kouwenhoven also shared that the operators on site love using the R 9400 E as it provides a smooth operating experience .
Christopher Shade , Decarbonisation Coordinator at Solomon mine , emphasised the transformative potential of the machine : “ The task was to have them be equal to the diesel machines , and they are . It is fantastic , and we cannot wait to have more of these electric excavators added to our growing fleet .”
At last year ’ s MINExpo tradeshow – held in September in Las Vegas , USA – Fortescue and Liebherr announced a significant deal for the development and supply of zero emission equipment . The deal features the supply of 475 zero emission Liebherr machines to Fortescue , 55 of which are R 9400 Es .
Paul Murphy , Executive General Manager , Future Industries Project for Liebherr-Australia , said : “ Our work with Fortescue isn ’ t just about meeting today ’ s decarbonisation goals ; it ' s about redefining mining ’ s future . The project exemplifies our commitment to decarbonisation , enabling an industry-wide shift toward cleaner , more efficient operations . It ’ s a bold step in ensuring that future generations will inherit a mining industry redefined by innovation and responsibility .”
At the beginning of 2024 , Liebherr-Australia also commissioned a R 9400 E 400 t class electric excavator for BHP at its Western Australia Iron Ore Yandi mine . This excavator was the first electric excavator in BHP ’ s worldwide fleet . This backhoe R 9400 E is also equipped with Liebherr ’ s cable reel – an autonomous cable management solution for Liebherr ’ s electric excavators that offers improved machine manoeuvrability and operator safety . Due to the dynamic and versatile nature of iron ore mining compared to traditional cable electric excavator applications , the added mobility offered by the cable reel will help maintain optimal productivity during operation .
For two decades , Liebherr and BHP have enjoyed a strong and successful partnership based on shared values of safety , innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that drive the mining industry forward .
“ We ’ ve set ourselves a clear goal to hit net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 ,” said Tim Day , Asset President , Western Australia Iron Ore . “ In order to get there , we ’ re
working to electrify most of our mining fleet that currently runs on diesel . Having BHP ' s first electric excavator at Yandi is exciting and the trial is another step forward on our pathway to net zero . Liebherr is a great company and a great partner , and we are delighted to be working with them on such an important project .”
The R 9400 E is also the mining excavator that will be on show at bauma in April this year in Munich , Germany . More information on Liebherr ' s mining focus at the event as well as a preview of other technologies and equipment being showcased at event is included in a special bauma preview in this issue .
There are also emissions savings to be had with the latest diesel excavator models . South America ’ s first Liebherr R 9300 excavator last year arrived at SQM ’ s Nueva Victoria open-pit iodine mine in the Tarapacá region of Chile , looking to , among other things , reduce the operation ’ s cost per tonne .
The R 9300 is the second Generation 8 excavator launched within Liebherr ’ s product portfolio and builds on the OEM ’ s decades of excavator design expertise in the mining industry . As a Generation 8 machine , the R 9300 comes fitted with the most advanced Liebherr mining technologies . These technologies provide increased operational performance and enable future product requirements such as automation and zero emission options .
The R 9300 was also designed to support greenhouse gas emission reduction targets . Liebherr ’ s proprietary engine and hydraulic management system – Liebherr Power Efficiency – comes as standard to reduce on-site fuel consumption . Further , the R 9300 ’ s diesel engines are Tier 4 and Stage V compliant to adhere to strict international emissions standards and an electric power train is already in development .
Since the first of these 250 t machines went to work back in 2022 , they have proven themselves as an incredibly fuel efficient and productive loading solution that can significantly reduce customers ’ cost per tonne , according to Liebherr .
In early January 2024 , Liebherr-Canada handed over an R 9150 mining excavator to new customer L . Fournier & Fils – a leading general contractor in Canada that works in the industrial , civil , and mining sectors . This R 9150 was the first Liebherr excavator commissioned in Eastern Canada and went to work in the Abitibi-Temiskaming region at the North American Lithium operation , which is part of the largest spodumene – lithium ore – reserve in North America .
To ensure maximum uptime , one of Liebherr- Canada ’ s mining service technicians will provide
30 International Mining | MARCH 2025