‘Electrification is part of our DNA’: Liebherr

Liebherr-Australia and BHP (ASX: BHP) recently celebrated the commissioning of the first electric excavator to join the BHP fleet.

The R 9400 E is a 400t class backhoe excavator is 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.

Liebherr-Australia sales and marketing executive general manager Brian Boitano says Liebherr has more than 40 years of experience in the development and manufacturing of electric excavators, so electrification is part of its DNA.

“In fact, we are excited to be expanding the reach of this technology into the Australian market,” he said.

“We’ve had multiple orders for electric excavators this year, with several electric excavators on our order books for 2024 and 2025.”

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.

“The R 9400 E is a testament to Liebherr’s dedication to providing innovative and efficient zero emission solutions for the mining sector,” says Mr Boitano.

“We are thrilled to partner with BHP to introduce our proven electric excavators into their operations.”

WA Iron Ore (WAIO) asset president Tim Day comments on the achievement.

“We’ve set ourselves a clear goal to hit net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” he said.

“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.”