The first Hitachi electric ultra-large excavator has arrived in Southeast Europe. In March 2026, the authorized Hitachi dealer, West Balkans Machinery (WBM), delivered the 250-ton EX2600E-7E model to the Pljevlja Coal Mine. This machine will be deployed for coal extraction at the mine in northern Montenegro, a site of critical importance to the country's energy sector.
The Pljevlja Coal Mine already operates three Hitachi EX ultra-large excavators in its fleet—one EX2600-6 delivered in 2019, and two EX1200-6 models that arrived in 2019 and 2022. While the mine has historically relied on diesel-powered hydraulic excavators and older "dragline" systems, it is now pivoting toward more efficient and technologically advanced solutions.
The company decided to invest in its first electric-drive Hitachi excavator as part of its modernization and sustainability efforts. Utilizing this equipment will lead to lower long-term operating costs due to simplified maintenance compared to conventional diesel machines. The 860 kW electric motors also provide constant torque, significantly improving operational efficiency.
The EX2600E-7E model will also play a vital role in reducing the mine's carbon footprint by eliminating local exhaust emissions. This was a decisive factor in the purchasing decision, as Montenegro is currently aligning with European Union environmental standards. An additional factor was the local availability of energy from the nearby Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant. By utilizing locally produced electricity, the mine reduces its dependence on imported diesel fuel.
Trust in Reliable Partners and Machinery
As the first model of its kind delivered in the region, the EX2600E-7E was assembled on-site with the support of service technicians from Hitachi Construction Machinery in Japan, alongside representatives from WBM. The local dealer is a trusted supplier and partner to the Pljevlja Coal Mine, maintaining a strong collaborative relationship. WBM will continue to support this capital machine through parts delivery and servicing during the two-year warranty period (or 8,000 working hours).
"We have been collaborating for over 20 years and enjoy a very close cooperation," stated Tomislav Marijančić, Executive Director of WBM.
The mine recently extended its contract until 2050 to produce at least 1.65 million tons of brown lignite annually, though actual production often fluctuates between 1.5 and 2.2 million tons. Approximately 85–95% of the produced coal goes directly to the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, which provides over 40% of Montenegro's total electricity. A smaller portion is sold for household heating and to businesses in the Pljevlja region. However, exports are an increasingly significant part of the mine's business strategy, with signed contracts including Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS).
"We are proud to deliver our reliable orange ultra-large excavators, including the first EX-7 electric excavator in the country, which will play an important role in Montenegro's energy sector," stated representatives from HCME. "We value the trust that the Pljevlja Coal Mine has placed in our products, as well as the excellent support provided by our local dealer, WBM."
