Komatsu Germany Mining Division (KGM) and Canadian distributor SMS Equipment have officially delivered the first Komatsu PC9000 — the largest hydraulic mining excavator in Komatsu’s history — to Suncor Energy at the Fort Hills oil sands mine in Alberta.
This groundbreaking event marks a major milestone in heavy equipment innovation and mining operations globally.
Meet the PC9000: Komatsu’s Mining Giant
The 900-tonne-class Komatsu PC9000 brings a new level of productivity and efficiency to surface mining. With a larger bucket, longer reach, and higher digging forces, this excavator is engineered to tackle the toughest environments and most demanding loads.
Key specs and capabilities:
- Five-pass match for Komatsu’s 980E ultra-class haul truck
- Double-sided loading to reduce cycle times
- Enhanced operator safety and comfort
- Designed to lower cost-per-tonne for high-volume material movement
Built Through Collaboration
The PC9000 is the result of years of customer feedback and collaborative engineering. Developed in partnership with Komatsu, SMS Equipment, and Suncor, the machine is tailored to meet the specific needs of large-scale mining operations in North America.
“The PC9000 is a shining example of what true collaboration can achieve,” said Ansgar Thole, President and Managing Director, Komatsu Germany GmbH.
“It raises the bar for mining productivity, performance, and safety.”
SMS Equipment, Komatsu’s long-term distribution partner, played a vital role in bridging feedback and engineering excellence.
“We brought together our OEM and customer relationships to help engineer the future of mining,” said Dennis Chmielewski, EVP Mining, SMS Equipment.
Suncor’s Commitment to Innovation
Suncor, one of Canada’s largest integrated energy companies, has a longstanding history of early adoption of new mining technologies. The Fort Hills mine has already seen several industry firsts, including:
- Canada’s first Autonomous Haulage System
- First use of Komatsu’s PC7000 front shovel
- Early deployment of the 980E haul truck
“The PC9000 aligns perfectly with our focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence,” said Peter Zebedee, EVP Oil Sands, Suncor.
“We’re proud to be the first to operate this next-generation machine.”
Suncor is scheduled to receive a second PC9000 in July 2025, with additional units to follow in 2026.
🔗 Learn More
For in-depth specs and insights about the Komatsu PC9000, visit the official site:
🌐 https://www.pc9000.com/en/
