KOMATSU

PC4000-11E: The 409-ton electric excavator that has been electrified

Komatsu, a leading manufacturer of heavy mining equipment, has launched an electric excavator that could completely change the industry. The PC4000-11E model allows the high performance of diesel machines to be maintained, but practically eliminates greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the company, the electric excavator weighs 409 tons and is designed to reduce emissions by up to 95%. The equipment was officially launched at MINExpo 2024, the largest mining industry fair in the world.

When paired with the Komatsu Trolley Truck Assist System, the company says the equipment can offer a 50% savings in total operating costs compared to a conventional diesel excavator. This estimate, according to Komatsu, is based on a series of studies carried out in pilot programs that used the machine in question.

The fully automatic cable drum is designed to facilitate the operation of the electrically driven excavator in the backhoe configuration. The automatic cable winding makes maneuvering in the pit significantly easier and saves time.

The simplified control of the electric machine enables rapid troubleshooting and maintenance of the electrical system and contributes significantly to increasing the overall availability of the machine and helping our customers to work towards the highest safety standards.

Mining has environmental impacts:

Despite its economic importance, mining can cause several environmental impacts.

Among these is the pollution of water with heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and nickel.

These metals are disposed of at the bottom of rivers, lakes and seas, where they remain for many years.

Mining can also increase the amount of contaminants in the air, as well as the generation of waste that can potentially contaminate the soil and directly impact local biodiversity.

Finally, there is a risk of dam bursts, which can cause the destruction of habitats and even cities.

by Mundoquatrorodas