Thiess sets 12-month volume production world record for Liebherr R 9600 excavator at Mount Pleasant Operation

Global mining services provider Thiess has set a world record for the highest material moved in a 12-month period by a Liebherr R 9600 excavator, achieving 17 million bank cubic meters across 6,840 operating hours at MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant Operation in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia.This result builds on a record monthly production benchmark established after the excavator went to work on 1 July 2025, demonstrating Thiess’ ability to sustain exceptional performance over time. Thiess Group Executive Australia East Rae O’Brien said: “The result reflects the capability and collaboration of teams across operations, maintenance, technical services and planning. “Achieving a world record of this scale requires consistent execution over time.   “It highlights the value of strong partnerships, disciplined planning and a relentless focus on performance, as well as the capability of our people and fleet, in delivering for our client.”The result was driven by high utilisation, sustained machine hours and a strong focus on productivity. Teams worked together to minimise downtime, optimise fleet performance and maintain consistent output over a 12-month period.   Our Maintenance team ensured fleet reliability, our Technical Services team provided the planning and pathing for the operation and our Operations team optimised dig sequences and haulage, enabling sustained high-volume production.This performance was delivered alongside a strong safety record, with the team also achieving 745 days LTI-free, reinforcing our commitment to both safe and productive outcomes. Thiess Mount Pleasant Operation Project Manager Ryan Fox said: “The achievement was built on disciplined execution. We challenged ourselves to have a ‘be better’ mindset every day, looking for ways to work smarter, safer and more efficiently. The commitment to continuous improvement was key to achieving this result.“The team’s ability to move this volume shows how seriously we take our motto: manage the minutes, because minutes matter and seconds count. 

“We strive for optimal performance every shift, and this result shows what our people and machines can achieve together.”This result reinforces Thiess’ ability to deliver safe, productive and reliable mining outcomes while setting a new global benchmark. 

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES