FORTESCUE DEPLOYS AUSTRALIA’S FIRST OPERATIONAL ELECTRIC EXCAVATOR WITH THE LIEBHERR R 9400 E

In December 2023, Liebherr-Australia commissioned an R 9400 E 400-tonne electric excavator for Fortescue at their Cloudbreak iron ore mining operation in Western Australia. This excavator represents the first newly built operational electric excavator in the country. The R 9400 E backhoe excavator is equipped with the Liebherr cable reeler, enabling increased manoeuvrability and optimised safety on site.

Australia’s first newly built electric excavator is now operational at Fortescue’s Cloudbreak mine site, marking a significant milestone in Fortescue’s decarbonisation journey.

Powered by a 6.6kV substation and more than two kilometres of high voltage trailing cable, this is the first of an initial three R 9400 E electric excavators that Liebherr will deliver to Fortescue over the next 12 months.




The R 9400 E is equipped with the Liebherr cable reeler. This automated and hydraulically driven solution enables management of the excavator’s electric cable during operation. The Liebherr cable reeler offers better mobility of the machine, optimises safety, and reduces the number of crew required for cable handling.