Liebherr R 9350 E Electric Excavator Joins Assarel Mine

A new addition to Bulgaria’s mining sector sees the Liebherr R 9350 E electric excavator deployed at Assarel-Medet’s copper mine in Pazardzhik province. Delivered on March 24, the 300 tonne class machine strengthens the company’s focus on sustainable and high efficiency mining operations.

The excavator is the fifth unit supplied through Liebherr-Export and its Bulgarian partner Alki-L, highlighting continued collaboration between the companies. A formal handover ceremony was held on April 20, 2026 in Colmar, France, where representatives from all three organisations gathered to mark the milestone. The ceremony included a traditional blessing and a symbolic champagne bottle break on the excavator’s bucket.

Electric excavator enhances performance and sustainability

The Liebherr R 9350 E electric excavator has been selected for its ability to combine productivity with environmental responsibility. It operates with zero greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key asset for modern mining operations focused on sustainability.

Powered by a 1,200 kW electric motor, the machine delivers reduced vibration and noise levels, which helps extend the life of key components while improving operator comfort. The motor is designed to last for the entire lifespan of the equipment, reducing maintenance requirements and long term operating costs.

Built for demanding environments, the electric excavator maintains strong performance even in extreme temperatures. It is equipped with a custom 17 cubic metre bucket in face shovel configuration, allowing efficient material loading at the Assarel copper mine.

Officials from Assarel-Medet noted that the addition of the Liebherr R 9350 E electric excavator supports higher production efficiency, improved safety standards, and long term sustainable development goals.

The partnership between the companies dates back to 1993, when Assarel-Medet first introduced a Liebherr machine into its operations. Since then, the fleet has expanded to include dozens of machines, with several units exceeding 130,000 operating hours while remaining productive.

Conclusion

The deployment of the Liebherr R 9350 E electric excavator marks another step in Assarel-Medet’s transition toward cleaner and more efficient mining. With strong backing from long standing partners, the company continues to modernise its fleet while maintaining a focus on sustainability and operational excellence.