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The first electric Hitachi EX2600-7E ultra-large excavator in Europe has been delivered in March 2026 by authorised Hitachi dealer West Balkans Machinery (WBM) to Rudnik uglja Pljevlja. The new 250-tonne machine will be used to extract coal at the Pljevlja mine in northern Montenegro, which is integral to the country’s energy sector.
Rudnik uglja Pljevlja already has three Hitachi EX ultra-large excavators working in its fleet at the mine – an EX2600-6 delivered in 2019, and an EX1200-6 and an EX1200-7, which arrived on site in 2019 and 2022 respectively. While the mine has historically relied on diesel-powered hydraulic excavators and older dragline systems, it is now moving towards more efficient and technologically advanced solutions.
The company chose to invest in its first electric-drive Hitachi excavator as part of its modernisation and sustainability efforts. Using this equipment will lead to lower long-term operating costs due to simplified maintenance compared to conventional diesel machines. The 860kW electric motor also provides constant torque, enhancing operational efficiency.
The EX2600-7E will significantly reduce the mine’s carbon footprint by reducing local exhaust emissions. This was a crucial factor in the purchase decision as Montenegro is currently aligning with EU environmental standards. Another factor was the local energy supply from the neighbouring Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant. As the mine can utilise locally produced electricity, this reduces its dependence on imported diesel fuel.
As the first model of its kind to be supplied to the region, the EX2600-7E was assembled on site with the support of service technicians from Hitachi Construction Machinery in Japan, as well as representatives from WBM. The local dealer is a trusted supplier and partner of Rudnik uglja Pljevlja and has established a strong working relationship. WBM will continue to support this landmark machine with parts and service during the two-year warranty period (or 8,000 operating hours). “We have been working together over 20 years, and we enjoy close cooperation,” says Tomislav Marijancic, WBM Managing Director.
The mine recently extended its agreement to produce at least 1.65 million tonnes of dark lignite annually, although actual production often fluctuates between 1.5 million and 2.2 million tonnes. Approximately 85-95% of the coal produced goes directly to the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, which provides over 40% of Montenegro’s total electricity. A smaller amount is sold for domestic heating and to businesses in the Pljevlja region. However, exports are a growing part of Rudnik uglja Pljevlja’s business strategy and the mine has contracts with Serbia’s government-owned electric utility power company, Elektroprivreda Srbije.
“We are proud to supply our reliable orange ultra-large excavators, including the country’s first EX-7 electric machine, to play an important part in Montenegro’s energy sector,” says Dr Hubertus Muenster, HCME VP Sales. “We appreciate the trust that Rudnik uglja Pljevlja has placed in our electric products and the excellent support of our local dealer.”
WBM celebrates its tenth anniversary as an authorised Hitachi Construction Machinery dealer this year. “The successful delivery and assembly of our first electric ultra-large excavator in south-east Europe is testament to the strength of our partnership,” adds Hubertus.
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