Liebherr delivers BHP’s first electric excavator

Construction giant Liebherr and BHP recently commissioned the first electric excavator to join the BHP fleet: an R 9400 E.

The 400-tonne class backhoe excavator was delivered to BHP’s Western Australia Iron Ore Yandi mine, located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, equipped with Liebherr’s cable reel – an autonomous cable management solution that’s claimed to offer improved machine maneuverability and operator safety.

The R 9400 E is Liebherr’s first diesel to electric conversion, with the excavator originally fitted with a 1675hp engine. A hydrogen offboard power Unit (OPU) designed and developed by mining company Fortescue powers the newly converted R 9400 E.

“Liebherr has more than 40 years’ experience in the development and manufacturing of electric excavators, so electrification is part of our DNA,” said Brian Boitano, executive general manager, sales and marketing, Liebherr Australia.

“In fact, we are excited to be expanding the reach of this technology into the Australian market. We’ve had multiple orders for electric excavators this year, with several electric excavators on our order books for 2024 and 2025.

“The R 9400 E is a testament to Liebherr’s dedication to providing innovative and efficient zero emission solutions for the mining sector. We are thrilled to partner with BHP to introduce our proven electric excavators into their operations.”

Liebherr’s ability to offer zero emission solutions to its customers is vital as the industry moves rapidly towards zero emissions.

“We’ve set ourselves a clear goal to hit net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” said Tim Day, asset president, Western Australia Iron Ore.

“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.”

The R 9400 E joins nine other mining excavators in the Liebherr line-up includes eight different models, with bucket capacities from seven to 47.5 cubic metres and engine power ratings up to 4000hp.