Liebherr Delivers to BHP: Multiple Electric Excavators Debut!
Earlier this year, Liebherr Australia had the honor of delivering an R 9400 E excavator to BHP's Yandi Mine in Western Australia. This marks BHP's first introduction of an electric excavator. Additionally, the excavator is equipped with Liebherr's autonomous cable reel system, ensuring excellent mobility during on-site operations. This significant delivery not only highlights the deep partnership between the two companies but also signals a new chapter for electric excavator technology in the mining sector.
Then, in early 2024, Liebherr Australia custom-built another R 9400 E 400-tonne electric excavator for BHP's Yandi iron ore mine in Western Australia. This excavator has become the first electric model in BHP's global fleet and leads the new trend of green transformation in the industry.
Liebherr Australia and BHP recently witnessed a historic moment together: the commissioning of BHP's first electric excavator, the R 9400 E, into its fleet. This 400-tonne backhoe excavator was ceremoniously delivered to BHP's Yandi iron ore mine in Western Australia's Pilbara region. Notably, the R 9400 E incorporates Liebherr's advanced cable reel technology, providing an autonomous cable management solution that not only enhances the machine's mobility but also ensures operator safety. In the dynamic and multifunctional context of iron ore mining, the additional mobility enabled by the cable reel will significantly contribute to improving productivity.
"Liebherr has been deeply engaged in the R&D and manufacturing of electric excavators for over 40 years, and electrification is ingrained in our DNA," said Brian Boitano, Executive General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Liebherr Australia. "We're thrilled to introduce this technology to the Australian market. This year alone, we've received multiple orders for electric excavators, and looking ahead to 2024 and 2025, our order book already has several electric excavator models pending delivery."
Two Decades of Close Collaboration
The partnership between Liebherr and BHP has been solidified over years, growing stronger through two decades of close cooperation. Upholding shared values of safety and innovation, the two sides are committed to delivering exceptional solutions for the mining industry and jointly driving sector progress.
"The launch of the R 9400 E stands as a testament to Liebherr's ongoing commitment to the mining industry, representing an innovative, efficient, and zero-emission solution. We are honored to partner with BHP in integrating our proven electric excavators into their operations," Boitano further explained. This significant milestone not only underscores Liebherr's position as a trusted partner and solution provider in the mining sector but also highlights the importance of delivering validated zero-emission solutions—such as its electric excavator range—during the industry's transformation.
"We are committed to achieving net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050," revealed Tim Day, President of Western Australia Iron Ore Assets. "To this end, we are fully driving the electrification of our current diesel mining fleet. The successful deployment of BHP's first electric excavator at Yandi marks another key step toward our net-zero emissions goal. As our partner, Liebherr not only leads in technology but also demonstrates remarkable strength in driving industry transformation. We are honored to collaborate with them on this important project."
