Komatsu has introduced the PC9000-12, the largest hydraulic mining excavator in its product lineup, to global markets with the option of a fully electric drive system.
The company said the excavator, which was first launched in Canada, is now available worldwide through Komatsu’s dealer network.
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Customers can choose between a conventional diesel powertrain and an electric-drive configuration depending on site requirements and regulatory conditions.
“This flexibility allows mining companies to align their equipment selection with regulatory requirements and site-specific conditions,” Komatsu said in a statement.
According to the company’s specifications, the electric version of the PC9000-12 is powered by two electric motors, each delivering 1,700 kilowatts of output.
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The excavator can reach an operating weight of up to 896 tonnes depending on configuration, while measuring more than 10 metres in both width and height.
Komatsu emphasized the machine’s operational scale and productivity, describing the PC9000-12 as having the largest bucket capacity, longest reach, and highest digging force in the company’s PC-series excavator range.
The model is available globally in both backhoe and shovel configurations, fitted with either a 46-cubic-metre backhoe bucket or a 49-cubic-metre shovel bucket.
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Komatsu said the excavator can load a Komatsu 980E mining truck in five passes in less than 150 seconds, with each bucket capable of carrying more than 80 tonnes of material.
Under optimal operating conditions, the company said the machine can achieve production output of approximately 8,000 tonnes per hour.
Peter Buhles, vice president of sales and service at Komatsu, said the PC9000-12 represents a major expansion of the company’s mining equipment portfolio.
“Representing the next evolution in our product lineup, the PC9000-12 sets a new benchmark for global surface mining operations,” Buhles said.
“With its versatile configurations – including face shovel and backhoe, as well as diesel and electric drive options – we can efficiently serve all major mining operations worldwide,” he added.
“The PC9000-12 delivers the power, performance and reliability our customers expect, while supporting higher productivity, lower emissions per ton and seamless integration with autonomous haulage systems.”
The launch comes as mining companies increasingly evaluate electrified heavy equipment as part of efforts to reduce operational emissions and improve energy efficiency in large-scale mining operations.
