Barrick and Komatsu Seal $440M Deal to Power Reko Diq with Electric Mining Equipment
Barrick Partners with Komatsu in $440M Deal to Electrify Reko Diq Copper-Gold Mine in Pakistan
Barrick Mining Corporation has finalized a landmark $440 million agreement with Japanese construction giant Komatsu to supply electric and hybrid mining equipment for the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan.
This deal represents a major step in decarbonizing one of the world’s most anticipated greenfield mining operations.
The agreement includes a full suite of advanced mining machinery—ultra-class electric haul trucks, electric rope shovels, hydraulic mining excavators, and electric wheel loaders—designed to cut carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency.
“The Reko Diq project represents a long-term investment in our future and that of mining in Pakistan, and our partnership with Komatsu is an important part of that vision,” said Mark Bristow, Barrick President and CEO.
“Komatsu equipment has proven its performance and reliability at our operations worldwide, and we are confident in its ability to support our goals at Reko Diq.”
At the heart of the deal is the Komatsu PC4000-11E, a 409-ton electric hydraulic mining excavator launched last year.
When paired with Komatsu’s Trolley Truck Assist System, it can reduce job site emissions by up to 95% and cut the total cost of ownership (TCO) by 50% compared to conventional Tier 4 diesel equipment.
Komatsu notes that the 50% TCO savings aren’t just theoretical—customers in pilot programs have already achieved 47% real-world cost reductions.
The package also includes the P&H 4100XPC AC electric rope shovel, known for its grid-connected performance and reduced environmental footprint.
Key operational improvements include:
Fully automatic cable drum for easier maneuvering in backhoe configuration
Simplified electric controls for faster troubleshooting and increased uptime
Advanced safety features to align with the highest industry standards
“We see ourselves as partners to our customers, supporting and collaborating with them on their journey toward a more sustainable and efficient mining operation,” said Peter Buhles, VP of Sales and Service at Komatsu Germany GmbH – Mining Division.
Project Timeline & Impact
The first batch of Komatsu equipment will be delivered to Reko Diq starting in early 2026. The project, located in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits.
As Barrick advances this site, the investment in electric equipment will help reduce fuel use, emissions, and maintenance costs—enhancing both environmental performance and long-term profitability.
Komatsu joins a growing list of OEMs racing to electrify heavy equipment. At CES 2024, brands like Hyundai, Bobcat, Volvo CE, and Caterpillar showcased next-gen electric machinery.
With traditional haul trucks consuming over $850,000 in fuel annually, the shift to battery-electric and hybrid solutions offers significant savings.
In some cases—like with regenerative electric locomotives such as the Fortescue Infinity Train—machines can even recharge themselves, eliminating fuel costs entirely.
When combined with lower maintenance and reduced downtime, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer compelling total cost advantages over diesel.
This Barrick-Komatsu collaboration underscores a broader industry pivot: as climate goals tighten and mining costs escalate, electrification is no longer optional—it’s essential.
