Largest Komatsu Mining Excavator Goes to Work

While the Komatsu PC7000 cut an impressive figure at Bauma last month, I think many of us had secretly hoped we might have seen the giant PC9000 on the stand in Munich before it headed to its new owners, that was not to be however, but just last week the very first one was commissioned at Suncor’s Fort Hills oil sands mine in Canada.

The 900-tonne class PC9000 features a larger bucket, longer reach and higher digging forces compared to previous models in Komatsu Mining's long-established PC-series. Designed as a five-pass match for Komatsu’s 980E ultra-large haul truck, it enables double-sided loading for Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS), significantly improving cycle-times and lowering the overall cost-per-tonne of material moved.

“The PC9000 is set to transform the future of mining,” says Ansgar Thole, President and Managing Director, Komatsu Germany GmbH. “This new class of hydraulic mining excavator raises the bar for productivity, efficiency and performance, while enhancing operator comfort and safety.”

Last week’s handover event celebrated the industry-leading collaboration that led to the PC9000’s development. The new model was designed based on feedback from Komatsu’s international customer base and refined in partnership with Canadian distributor SMS Equipment and Canada’s leading integrated energy company, Suncor.

“In addition to the engineering excellence behind this machine, the PC9000 is a shining example of what true collaboration can achieve,” said Thole. “It stands as the embodiment of an extraordinary partnership between KGM, SMS Equipment and Suncor – three forces united by trust, expertise, and a shared vision for operational excellence.”

Komatsu, SMS Equipment and Suncor have worked together for decades to advance mining operations, introducing innovations to Canada like the country’s first Autonomous Haulage System, the 980E haul truck, the first PC7000 front shovel and now, the PC9000.

“Suncor is always exploring ways to enhance our operations by adopting the latest advancements in equipment and technology,” said Peter Zebedee, Suncor’s Executive Vice President, Oil Sands. “Our shared passion for excellence with Komatsu and SMS, along with the tangible value the shovel offers to our mining operations, made our decision to invest in the PC9000 clear.”

Suncor is set to receive its second PC9000 in July with additional machines expected to arrive in 2026.