1.752 million bcm record. Redefining what’s possible.
At Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mine in New South Wales, Australia, an R 9800 G6 excavator has set impressive new performance standards while moving material for Yancoal Australia Ltd, one of Australia’s largest coal producers. Thanks to smart planning, skilled teams and cutting-edge Liebherr technology, this machine delivered exceptional productivity, reliability and fuel efficiency across a full year of operation – exceeding benchmarks and breaking records in the process.
Powering success in Australia
MTW is an open-cut coal mine that produces thermal and metallurgical coal for Australian and international markets. Yancoal operates the mine and is responsible for overburden removal, coal extraction, equipment maintenance and rehabilitation.
Liebherr has worked alongside Yancoal for over a decade and has supplied 25 excavators to Yancoal sites across Australia, with a further 10 excavators used in joint ventures. Four of these machines – two R 9800s and two R 9400s – are currently in use at MTW. The R 9800s were repowered with Liebherr D9812 engines in 2024.
Since repowering our two R 9800s to the Liebherr D9812 engines, the engines are quieter, power delivery is a lot smoother, we’ve picked up fuel economy savings and the operator feedback has been nothing short of excellent.
Laying the groundwork
One of Yancoal's R 9800s at MTW was evaluated from May 2024 to April 2025 to assess its productivity and efficiency under typical site conditions. Throughout the study, this machine operated mainly in conventional digging applications and was paired with 210, 300 and primarily 320-tonne haul trucks, achieving full loads in just four passes.
Operational discipline and site planning were crucial throughout the study. Ancillary equipment ensured benches were clean and level, reducing cycle time variations and enabling consistently high productivity.
Benches were approximately five metres high, with an optimal bench width of 110 to 120 metres maintained for smooth truck exchanges and uninterrupted digging. Yancoal's R 9800 was equipped with a 48 m³ bucket, specifically designed for the material conditions on site, allowing efficient bucket filling and stable load factors. Throughout the study period, the R 9800 primarily moved blasted overburden.
1.752 mbcm. One month. One machine
In January 2025, the R 9800 reached a monthly production of 1.752 mbcm.
- 3,032 bcm/hr dig rate
- 16.25 million bcm moved
- 92% availability
When you get out into a mine site like Mount Thorley Warkworth, and you see that Liebherr R 9800, you just want to get in there and dig some dirt. They're a joy to operate. They're smooth, they're quiet, they're powerful and they're big. And that's really, really cool.
Yancoal's R 9800 Job report
Hear more about Yancoal’s experience with the R 9800
Designed to perform, built to last
The R 9800 is designed for tough mining conditions, with a design that prioritises productivity and longevity.
Engineered for a service life that exceeds 80,000 operational hours, the machine features a modular design that streamlines major overhauls and upgrades throughout its life cycle. It uses components developed and manufactured by Liebherr for reliable, long-term performance in tough mining conditions.
With more payload capacity than its competitors, the R 9800 moves material faster and with more efficiency per pass. Thanks to Liebherr’s proprietary engine management system, Liebherr Power Efficiency, it can save up to 120,000 litres of fuel annually.
Dive deeper into the R 9800
The best choice for large scale mining operation.
Read the full story of the first R 9800 repower in Groundbreaking magazine.
A timelapse not to miss!