In December 2023, Fortescue and Liebherr deployed Australia’s first newly built operational electric excavator, the Liebherr R 9400 E, at Fortescue’s Cloudbreak site in Western Australia’s Pilbara. Following its success, a second electric excavator was deployed at Fortescue’s Solomon operations. This milestone demonstrates the strength of the partnership between Fortescue and Liebherr, reflecting their shared commitment to decarbonisation and innovation.
Meeting Operational Expectations
Mark Kouwenhoven, general manager of Fortescue’s Solomon mine, praised the performance of the R 9400 E, stating that it delivers the same robust power and productivity as diesel excavators but with zero fuel-related emissions, lower operational costs, and a reduced environmental footprint. Operators have also expressed a preference for the R 9400 E, enjoying its smooth operating experience.
Christopher Shade, decarbonisation coordinator at the Solomon mine, highlighted the transformative potential of the electric excavators. He remarked, “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.”
Looking Toward the Future
At the MINExpo tradeshow in September 2023, Fortescue and Liebherr announced a significant deal to supply 475 zero-emission Liebherr machines, including 55 R 9400 Es. Paul Murphy, executive general manager of the Future Industries Project for Liebherr-Australia, emphasized that their collaboration goes beyond meeting current decarbonisation goals. He said, “It’s about redefining mining’s future,” ensuring the industry becomes cleaner, more efficient, and innovative for future generations.
