Liebherr-Australia and Glencore have finalised a significant 17-machine delivery plan across six major mining operations in Queensland and New South Wales, with deliveries scheduled through to the end of 2026. To support the long-term success of these machines, Liebherr-Australia will provide dedicated site support that includes embedded technicians and comprehensive operator and technical training.
Initiated through Glencore’s 2023 group tender, the first phase of the agreement will see the delivery of 10 R 9600s, five R 9400s, one R 9800 and one R 9100, with seven of these machines powered by Liebherr’s D9812 engines. Of the 17 machines in this phase, seven have already been successfully commissioned across Glencore’s sites, which has resulted in important milestones achieved at three of them. The delivery of two R 9600 excavators to Hail Creek mine in Queensland marks Liebherr’s first ever equipment in that operation. In New South Wales, Liebherr-Australia also delivered the first ever Liebherr excavators at Ravensworth and put into operation new Liebherr machines at United Wambo mine.
In addition to the 17 machines scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026, further units are set to be delivered in both Queensland and New South Wales throughout 2027 as part of the ongoing agreement with Glencore, further strengthening this partnership.
‘We are excited to announce this new era of partnership with Glencore. Securing multi-year supply agreements of this scale is a proud moment for Liebherr-Australia. It reflects the capability of our national team to support large, complex fleets and deliver consistent performance across multiple sites,’ says Brian Boitano, executive general manager of sales, marketing, training and solutions for Liebherr-Australia.
‘Partnering with Liebherr for our equipment needs reflects our ongoing commitment to improving operational efficiency and safety in our mining operation,’ says Alex Callaghan, procurement specialist at Glencore Coal Assets Australia.
Growing Liebherr presence in the Hunter Valley
Glencore’s Hunter Valley operations in New South Wales – Ravensworth, United Wambo, Bulga and Mount Owen – received two of the 17 excavators in 2024 and will collectively receive 12 of the 17 machine deliveries by the end of 2026.
Liebherr-Australia has already commissioned multiple units in the region. The two delivered in 2024 were an R 9600 and an R 9400 for Ravensworth – the first Liebherr machines to ever operate at that site. So far this year an R 9600 and an R 9400 have been delivered to United Wambo. Still to be commissioned this year are three R 9600s and an R 9400 for Bulga, which will all be equipped with Liebherr D9812 engines. There will also be deliveries of an R 9800 for Ravensworth and an R 9100 for Mount Owen in 2025, with two additional R 9400s for Ravensworth to be delivered in 2026.
‘Delivering multiple machines to Glencore over the past eight months, some of which were the first to be introduced to Ravensworth, was a testament to our high-performing product portfolio and also marked an important milestone in our partnership,’ says Boitano.
All of these excavators will be supported by Liebherr-Australia’s Mount Thorley branch, which will provide specialist technicians, proactive maintenance planning and tailored upskilling initiatives for operators and site personnel.
Working together in Queensland
In Queensland, Liebherr-Australia commissioned a brand-new R 9600 for Glencore’s Hail Creek operation in February this year – the first Liebherr machine for this site – with a second R 9600 added in July and another to follow in 2026. All three of these machines are powered by Liebherr’s D9812 engines. Glencore’s Rolleston site will also receive two R 9600s in 2026. These R 9600s will be supported by Liebherr-Australia’s Mackay branch, which will provide embedded Liebherr technicians, on-the-ground technical support and comprehensive operator and technical training programs.
‘Our partnership with Glencore is built on trust, technology and long-term value,’ says Boitano. ‘This agreement lays a solid foundation for our future with Glencore and we’re excited about more machines coming in 2026 and 2027, with the potential for further expansion. For now, production and reliability are what matter most and we’re proud to play a role in delivering both. Together, we’re building a long-term partnership.’
‘Our collaboration with Liebherr represents a strategic move towards enhancing our operational capabilities. We value their commitment to quality and innovation, which aligns with our vision for efficient mining practices, helping to advance everyday life,’ says Callaghan.
