Peak Downs turns the keys on new Liebherr 9800

Our Peak Downs team has turned the keys on a brand new Liebherr 9800, putting the 800-tonne excavator to work ten days ahead of schedule.

 
The 9800 was constructed on site in just five weeks, with parts transported from Europe and Adelaide to Peak Downs by sea and road.
Graduate Mechanical Engineer Warren Metz, worked in conjunction with Liehbherr, to manage the build and praised the maintenance team for their impeccable effort to get the excavator ready for work.
“This was an instrumental build for us – it was our biggest build to date for BMA (BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance) on this project,” Warren said.
“We delivered it safely, efficiently and with pride.
“We met all Thiess and BMA guidelines and requirements, and we delivered it ahead of schedule and without incident.
“Our team is really pleased to see the 9800 already showing its worth and hitting its performance targets."
It’s another significant milestone for the Peak Downs team who’s first fleet came online in May this year. And it follows the start-up by Thiess of two excavator fleets at Caval Ridge for BMA in December 2017/January 2018.
The Peak Downs/Caval Ridge teams now have three fleets in operation at Peak Downs, and two in operation at Caval Ridge. In addition, Thiess also maintains two excavators, several trucks and multiple ancillary items operated by BMA at Peak Downs.
Peak Caval Project Manager Jamie Vaughan thanked his team for their efforts to safely mobilise the 9800 at Peak Downs.
“This is a massive accomplishment for our team,” Jamie said.
“I’d like to thank all our team who ensure we continue to deliver exceptional performance and Peak Downs and Caval Ridge.
“It’s a tribute to our focus on everyone safe everyday and zero incidents. Safe projects are successful projects.”
Learn more
Peak Downs and Caval Ridge are two open cut coking coal mines, owned by BMA (BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance) and located in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, near Moranbah in Queensland.
Read about the project