PC9000: Created through partnership

May 1, 2025

In a groundbreaking collaboration that has captured the attention of the global mining industry, three industry giants have unveiled a revolutionary piece of equipment set to redefine operational efficiency. Komatsu Germany Mining Division (KGM), SMS Equipment and Suncor will reveal the highly anticipated Komatsu PC9000 in a handover ceremony this May, highlighting not only the feature-rich machine, but also the innovative partnership that fuelled its creation.

The largest hydraulic excavator in Komatsu’s portfolio, the PC9000 marks a major evolution in the manufacturer’s surface mining lineup. Designed to pass-match Komatsu’s 830E – 980E haul trucks and loaded with new features, the machine is set to deliver higher productivity, greater efficiency and lower production costs of mining operations.

The new class of excavator was announced in May 2024, but the story of its development began several years prior.

“This journey began a few years ago,” recalls Thole. “KGM developed the prototype and introduced a groundbreaking new design to SMS Equipment. Seizing the opportunity, SMS took the lead in finding a customer willing to implement, refine, and help us perfect this innovation.”

Rooted in history

With more than 100 years of expertise in mining technology, KGM is a pioneer in the development of hydraulic mining excavators for the global surface mining market. One factor for success, according to the company, is the continual feedback loop Komatsu maintains with distributors and customers to inform new innovations.

Looking to build on the success of its PC-series of hydraulic excavators, including the PC7000 and PC8000, Komatsu sought feedback from its customer base on what they wanted to see in the next iteration of machine in the category. A larger bucket, higher digging forces and longer reach were among the top requests, along with increased compatibility with ultra-class haul trucks. Based on the input, Komatsu engineers saw an opportunity to reimagine the capabilities of such a machine and create something net-new. Soon, the PC9000 was born.

Shaped through collaboration

As the PC9000 was being developed, KGM shared the designs with Canadian distributor SMS Equipment. The two companies have a long history of collaboration and proven success in bringing new Komatsu models to market.

“SMS Equipment is one of the top sellers of Komatsu hydraulic shovels in the world,” says Dennis Chmielewski, EVP Mining at SMS Equipment. “We have expertise in the equipment as well as with customers in Canada’s oil sands region, a geography well-suited for this type of machine.”

SMS Equipment collaborates with equipment and technology manufacturers to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to customers in mining, construction and forestry. When it comes to sharing customers’ needs in the field back to manufacturers, SMS Equipment is uniquely positioned to do so; their broad customer base captures the diverse needs of operators across Canada’s varied geography.

The company’s suggestions throughout the PC9000’s development were invaluable to its design and, once a protype was ready, SMS Equipment identified a partner to purchase the inaugural machine: Suncor.

“We knew immediately they were the right buyer for the first PC9000,” recalls Chmielewski. “Suncor is an industry leader when it comes to embracing technology to drive operational excellence. This new class of hydraulic excavator would complement their autonomous haulage fleet, enhancing efficiency, productivity and safety.”

“In addition, our three companies — SMS Equipment, Komatsu and Suncor — have forged a deep trust over many years of working together,” he notes. “The level of collaboration and communication we’ve established is what’s needed when developing a game-changing machine like this one.”

The trio have launched several mining innovations together in Canada, including the country’s first Autonomous Haulage System at Suncor Base Mine, the 980E haul truck and the first PC7000 front shovel.

Focused on the future

Suncor, Canada’s leading integrated energy company, produces, refines, and markets petroleum products in North America while focusing on safety, reliability, and profitability.

“When SMS Equipment approached us with the PC9000, we knew we were looking at something greater than a new machine – we were looking at the future of mining,” says Peter Zebedee, Suncor’s Executive Vice President, Oil Sands. “Suncor is always exploring ways to enhance our operations by adopting the latest technologies and innovations. Our shared passion for excellence with KGM and SMS, and the tangible value the shovel can bring to our mining operations, made the decision to invest in the PC9000 clear.”

“We also recently invested in a large fleet of Komatsu 980E haul trucks for our mining operations – another step in our journey of being a best-in-class operator,” he adds.

With its bigger payload, double-sided loading capabilities and other advanced features, the machine is set to transform productivity, efficiency, safety, and operational costs while minimizing environmental impact to the operation that moves massive volumes of material each year.

As it nears commercial release in 2026, the PC9000 sets a new standard for operational efficiency in surface mining around the globe. Moreover, its development has inspired a new standard for collaboration in the sector.

“Komatsu is focused on creating value together,” says Thole. “This partnership between manufacturer, distributor and customer is a powerful model and it has resulted in an innovation that will transform the global mining industry.”

“Through our unique partnership, our three companies continue to find shared success,” adds Chmielewski. “We look forward to many new ‘firsts’ that result from our groundbreaking collaboration.”