Liebherr-Australia and Roy Hill have officially launched a new collaboration, marking the occasion with the handover of a massive 800-tonne R 9800 excavator. What makes this machine unique? Its bucket and counterweight are painted bright pink, serving as a tribute to the fight against breast cancer and supporting women and families affected by the disease.
The partnership celebration took place at Roy Hill’s headquarters in Perth, Western Australia, where executives from both companies gathered for a tour of Roy Hill’s Remote Operations Centre (ROC). To honor the delivery of the new excavator, Sophie Albrecht, a member of Liebherr Group’s administrative board, presented Roy Hill CEO Gerhard Veldsman with a detailed replica of the R 9800—featuring its distinctive pink bucket and counterweight.
Liebherr-Australia Managing Director Trent Wehr expressed enthusiasm for the new alliance, highlighting the shared commitment to innovation and efficiency between the two companies. “Roy Hill is known for its dedication to operational excellence, and we are excited to support their mining operations with our reliable and fuel-efficient equipment,” Wehr stated.
This R 9800 is the second of three Liebherr excavators scheduled for delivery to Roy Hill. It joins an R 9400 excavator that was commissioned at the end of 2024, while another R 9800 is expected to be added to the fleet by mid-2025. The mining company selected Liebherr equipment due to its proven durability, operator comfort, and fuel efficiency—essential factors for demanding operations in the Pilbara region.
Ensuring the highest level of uptime for Roy Hill’s expanding Liebherr fleet, Liebherr-Australia’s Perth-based team provides comprehensive on-site maintenance and technical support. Highly trained product support advisors and heavy-duty technicians are stationed at the mine to handle day-to-day servicing, repairs, and advanced diagnostics to maximize machine performance.
Patrick Korman, Executive General Manager of Mining Customer Support at Liebherr-Australia, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing top-tier service as Roy Hill integrates Liebherr machinery into its mining operations for the first time. “This partnership is just the beginning, and we are dedicated to offering expert support to ensure Roy Hill gets the most out of their new excavators,” Korman said.
Beyond its role in mining operations, the R 9800 stands out visually with its bold pink counterweight and bucket, aligning with Roy Hill’s tradition of using pink heavy machinery to raise awareness for breast cancer. This initiative, led by Roy Hill’s Executive Chairman Gina Rinehart, aims to serve as a constant visual reminder of the impact breast cancer has on families across Australia.
Wehr reaffirmed Liebherr-Australia’s support for this cause, citing the devastating statistics from Australia’s National Breast Cancer Foundation. “Every day, more than nine Australians lose their lives to breast cancer. It’s a heartbreaking reality, and we are honored to contribute to raising awareness and supporting those affected,” he said.
With the new R 9800 excavator officially in operation, the partnership between Liebherr-Australia and Roy Hill is set to bring both innovation and social impact to the mining industry.
Fulian Operation Team
2025.3.21
