When it comes to moving mountains — literally — Calgary-based Suncor is proving that bigger is better.
As the world’s largest oil sands producer, the Canadian energy giant is rolling out a fleet of colossal new mining machines, including the much-anticipated $1 million Komatsu PC9000, the world’s largest hydraulic shovel.
Because when you’re in the business of digging deep, why settle for anything less than the biggest toys on the block?
Jason Wyman, General Manager for the Mine and Tailings team at Fort Hills, couldn’t hide his excitement about the site’s growing collection of heavy machinery.
“Why rent when you can buy?” he quipped, as the company unveiled plans to integrate a fleet of 23 Komatsu 980 haul trucks alongside the mammoth PC9000.
For the uninitiated or merely curious, the PC9000 is presently the reigning king of hydraulic dirt diggers. The first units began shipping worldwide late last year.
The new equipment will help Suncor move a staggering 300 million tonnes of material annually— because when you’ve got this much dirt to move, you bring out the big guns.
For a company that already runs some of the most massive mining operations on the planet, the investment in new trucks and shovels is more than just an exercise in excess, it’s a strategic play to enhance efficiency and cut costs.
The outlay was announced in last year’s capital plan. The company last week announced record fourth quarter operating results, producing an impressive 875,000 bpd or almost a fifth of Alberta’s 4.5 million bpd of production.
According to Wyman, renting heavy equipment may have helped Fort Hills keep up with increasing production demands, but it came at a premium price. “The rental strategy was like borrowing your neighbour’s power tools every weekend — it gets the job done, but it’s not the most cost-effective way to build your empire,” he said.
Instead, Suncor is taking matters into its own (very large) hands. The 55 new trucks, split between Fort Hills and Base Plant, will reinforce the company’s commitment to operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
The crown jewel of this fleet expansion is the Komatsu PC9000, the world’s largest available hydraulic shovel, making it the ultimate power move in an industry where size matters.
Suncor’s commitment to investing in its own iron giants isn’t just about flexing muscle — it’s about securing Canada’s future as the world’s leading energy provider. And let’s be honest — what’s more fun than playing in the sandbox when you’ve got the biggest toys around?