Expanding the Fleet: Second Komatsu PC9000 Excavator Arrives at Suncor’s Fort Hills Mine

November 12, 2025

“Getting the second PC9000 delivered and into operation is a step forward for the entire mining industry,” said Ansgar Thole, President and Managing Director at Komatsu Germany GmbH.

“This machine was designed to deliver what matters most to our customers — safe and comfortable operation, enhanced productivity and efficiency, and long-term performance.”

In May 2025, Suncor, KGM, and SMS Equipment debuted the first Komatsu PC9000 and celebrated the collaboration that shaped the machine’s development. The first-of-its-kind excavator was designed based on feedback from Komatsu’s international customer base and refined in partnership with the Canadian distributor and the integrated energy company.

Enduring partnership fuels momentum

The short timeframe between the two PC9000 deliveries underscores the strong momentum and trust behind the machine’s design and performance.

Dennis Chmielewski, EVP Mining at SMS Equipment, credits the collaboration and communication between the three companies for the smooth delivery of both PC9000 units — a logistical feat of more than 14,000 kilometres each, by land, river and sea —as well as for the on-site assembly, commissioning and ongoing support of the new machines in their early days of operation.

Investing in safety and efficiency

The PC9000 is the largest hydraulic mining excavator in Komatsu’s lineup and currently the largest machine for surface mining coming to the global market. A 900-tonne-class machine, it boasts a variety of features that increase productivity, efficiency and performance. It is designed as a five-pass match for Komatsu’s 980E ultra-large haul trucks and a four-pass match for 930E trucks, and it is capable of double-sided loading for Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS).

Preparing for global rollout

The partnership behind the development of the PC9000 continues to influence future models as Komatsu readies the excavator for global rollout in 2026. Throughout the transport, assembly, operation and maintenance of these first units, Suncor, KGM and SMS Equipment are collecting insights that will be used to refine the model for global release.

“This is where our shared passion for excellence shines — in our ongoing efforts to create value together for the global mining industry,” concludes Thole.