The mining industry is undergoing a seismic shift, and the bauma exhibition in Munich, Germany, is serving as a vivid showcase of this transformation. Decarbonisation is the buzzword echoing through the halls, with the majority of key topics revolving around emissions reduction and sustainable mining practices. This year’s event, running from 7 to 13 April, is a testament to the industry’s commitment to meeting increased demand for raw materials while treading lightly on the environment.
Liebherr, a heavyweight in the mining equipment sector, is making waves with its electrification solutions. The group’s mining product segment is exhibiting two standout pieces of technology: the T 264 Battery Electric truck and the R 9400 E electric excavator. These aren’t just prototypes; they represent tangible steps towards a fossil fuel-free future.
Oliver Weiss, Executive Vice President of R&D and production for Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS, underscores the significance of these developments. “Electrification is an important part of our strategy for offering fossil fuel free options for all of our mining equipment by 2030,” he states. The solutions on display at bauma highlight the progress made in this arena, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable mining.
The T 264 Battery Electric truck is a marvel of modern engineering. This 240-ton behemoth is powered by a 3.2 MW battery developed by Fortescue Zero, Fortescue’s technology arm. The truck supports both static and dynamic charging, with options for both on display at bauma. The static fast-charging solution, developed by Fortescue, delivers up to 6 MW of power, allowing the truck to charge in under an hour. Liebherr’s dynamic charging concept, the Liebherr Power Rail, is also on show, based on the company’s proven trolley bar technology.
But Liebherr isn’t just focused on electrification. The T 264 on display is also equipped with the Autonomous Haulage Solution (AHS), another fruit of the Liebherr–Fortescue partnership. This system includes an Energy Management System that coordinates recharge assignments, ensuring efficient use of charging infrastructure. The truck enters validation in 2025, with 360 units set to be delivered to Fortescue’s Australian operations by the end of 2030. The full autonomous battery-electric solution will begin validation in 2026.
Liebherr’s electrified loading solution, the R 9400 E 350-ton electric excavator, is another highlight. This machine leverages Liebherr’s four decades of experience in electric excavator development. Equipped with a cable reel solution offering up to 300 meters of autonomous cable management, the R 9400 E promises increased operational flexibility. Customer feedback confirms that it matches the power and productivity of its internal combustion engine counterpart, all while reducing operational costs and emitting zero greenhouse gases during operation.
Dr Jörg Lukowski, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS, reflects on the progress made since the last bauma exhibition. “We have come a long way since 2022. It has been thrilling to see the progress of the past three years up close, and we are looking forward to engaging with customers and fans alike at the show about all that we’ve accomplished and all we have planned for the years to come,” he says.
This news shapes the development of the mining sector in profound ways. It signals a clear shift towards electrification and autonomy, driven by the urgent need to reduce emissions. It also underscores the value of industry partnerships, with collaborations like Liebherr–Fortescue paving the way for innovative solutions. As the industry grapples with the challenge of meeting increased demand for raw materials while minimizing environmental impact, events like bauma and the technologies on display serve as a beacon of progress. The future of mining is electric, and it’s happening now.