Liebherr Delivers 330‑ton Excavator to Mine
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- Liebherr delivered a 330‑ton (≈300‑ton) R 9350 E electric face‑shovel excavator to the Assarel copper mine in Bulgaria’s Pazardzhik province.
- Assarel-Medet selected the electric model over its G6 diesel version for superior power, performance, durability, and lower maintenance and operating costs.
- The excavator features a 17‑cubic‑meter bucket and a 1200 kW (≈1,600 hp) electric motor that provides vibration‑free operation.
- Raphael Goeppel of Liebherr highlighted the machine as a symbol of technical excellence and long‑standing partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration amid global challenges.
- The machine is expected to be grid‑powered on site, with minimal onboard batteries, though specific cable voltage details were not disclosed.
Why it matters: Assarel-Medet gains lower operating expenses and higher productivity, while diesel-powered equipment loses market share as electrification cuts fuel and maintenance costs, offering a clear cost advantage in the copper mining sector. The shift also benefits the environment by reducing emissions, though the article does not quantify the impact.
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