Komatsu launches its largest mining excavator globally after successful operations in Canada
With a payload of more than 80 tons per pass, the PC9000-12 has an optimal production rate of 8,000 tons per hour
Komatsu Germany Mining Division (KGM) has officially announced the global launch of the PC9000-12, the largest hydraulic mining excavator in Komatsu's portfolio. Following its successful market introduction in Canada, the PC9000-12 is now available worldwide through Komatsu's global dealer network.
Representing the next evolution in Komatsu's surface mining lineup, the PC9000-12 is engineered to help mining operations achieve higher productivity, improved efficiency, and lower cost per ton while delivering the power, performance, and reliability contractors can rely on.
Optimized for surface mining in extreme environments
Designed to operate in some of the toughest mining environments, the PC9000-12 can be configured with diesel Tier 4, diesel unregulated, or electric drive. This flexibility allows mining companies to align their equipment selection with regulatory requirements and site-specific conditions.
As the largest model in the PC series, it offers the highest bucket capacity, longest reach, and highest digging power, ultimately leading to optimized cycle times, increased output, and reduced production costs.
The PC9000-12 is globally available in both front shovel and backhoe configurations, equipped with a 46 m3 front shovel or a 49 m3 backhoe bucket.
The machine is optimized to load Komatsu's largest mining trucks in the range of 240 - 400 short tons in a 3 - 5 pass match.
With a payload of more than 80 tons per pass, it can load a Komatsu 980E truck in just five passes in under 150 seconds.
Under optimal conditions, this translates into production rates of around 8,000 tons per hour.
Engineered for the future of mining
Built with future-ready mine sites in mind, the PC9000-12 is designed for efficient double-sided loading and is compatible and integrated with Komatsu's FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System.
At the same time, operator comfort and safety remain central to the machine's design. The spacious, ergonomically optimized operator cabin and advanced monitoring systems support reduced operator fatigue, improved visibility, and enhanced situational awareness — enabling high performance throughout every shift.
"Representing the next evolution in our product lineup, the PC9000-12 sets a new benchmark for global surface mining operations," said Peter Buhles, Vice President Sales & Service. "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. 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."
Proven on Canada's largest surface mining operation
The inaugural PC9000-12 was delivered in May 2025 to an oilsands operation in Canada. SMS Equipment acted as launch partner for the Canadian market, supporting the successful introduction and commissioning of the first machines in collaboration with Komatsu and the customer.
With more than 100 years of expertise in mining technology, Komatsu Germany Mining Division continues to define standards in ultra-large hydraulic mining excavators for surface mining worldwide.
Further details and technical specifications can be obtained through Komatsu's dealer network.
