Bathurst Resources grows Komatsu fleet
Komatsu New Zealand has delivered its next-generation PC2000-11R excavator to Bathurst Resources (ASX: BRL), marking another key milestone in the partnership between the two companies.
The machine will be in use at Bathurst’s historic Rotowaro mine site in the Waikato region, which has been producing coal for more than 140 years and has 200 people working onsite.
Bathurst is New Zealand’s largest metallurgical coal operator, producing more than 1.8mtpa of coal, of which 80% is for steelmaking for both domestic and export use.
One of Bathurst’s core focuses is responsible access to natural resources. Bathurst mobile plant assets and maintenance group manager Joshua Carmody says the company is constantly looking at different ways to improve the sustainability and efficiency of operations.
“The decision to add the PC2000-11R to our fleet followed extensive evaluation of several OEM offerings,” he said.
“The PC2000 stood out as a sustainability-driven solution that offered significant fuel savings, reduced cycle times and an improved operator environment while aligning strategically with our core focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
Operator wellbeing was also a major consideration, with the PC2000-11R offering a range of comfort and safety features including a heated air suspension seat, low cabin noise levels and KomVision’s 360° visibility system.
“This machine is not only a replacement for aging equipment, but also an exciting addition to our fleet that we hope will help us attract and retain top-tier operators,” Mr Carmody said.
Another key part of the PC2000’s appeal was its advanced design, which delivers up to 12% increased productivity in “power plus” mode and 9% more engine horsepower compared to its predecessor.
Komatsu New Zealand managing director JC Nyssens says this, along with the machine’s strengthened frame, redesigned boom and robust resistance to bending and torsional loads make it ideal for the demanding mining conditions at Bathurst’s mining sites.
“This reliability ensures less downtime and optimal performance, a critical factor for large-scale mining projects,” he said.
“With up to 7% improved fuel efficiency and significantly reduced emissions, it aligns perfectly with Bathurst’s focus on environmental stewardship and long-term resource management.”
The Rotowaro mine, one of the seven coal mines in Bathurst’s portfolio, is located in an area that has had a long history of both open cast and underground mining. It was first mined in 1915 after a branch railway and a bridge were established over the Waikato River. The current opencast mine opened in 1958.
Bathurst is a major exporter of high-quality coal for steel production primarily in Japan, South Korea, India and China. The company is also involved in two steelmaking coal development projects in British Columbia, Canada.
