impact on tyre life and fuel efficiency. Services such as MICHELIN Better Haul Road, along with GPS- and satellite- based tools like VBOX, assess road quality and driver behaviour to identify areas where poor conditions or aggressive driving increase tyre wear and fuel consumption. These insights allow operators to make targeted improvements that optimise routes, reduce tyre damage and lower fuel use. Site severity studies provide further insight into how road conditions, loading zones and operational practices affect tyre performance. In one technical analysis at a North American iron ore mine, Michelin identified a mismatch between tyre specifications and operating conditions after the site experienced an 18% drop in productivity. The analysis revealed slower cycle times and increased tyre-related downtime, underscoring the importance of data-driven tyre selection. Together, these technologies support predictive maintenance, autonomous haulage readiness and lower-emission fleet performance—key pillars of the mine sites of the future. “Operational adjustments—such as choosing the right tyre compounds, maintaining proper inflation and optimising haul road design—can deliver substantial environmental and financial benefits, while also improving site safety,” Murphy added. Reducing Scope 3 emissions through repair and retreading Leading manufacturers such as Michelin design mining tyres to be durable, repairable and retreadable, allowing for significant lifecycle extensions without compromising safety or performance. This approach reduces total cost of ownership and lowers Scope 3 emissions associated with manufacturing and raw material use. Kal Tire estimates that repairing ten ultra-class haul truck tyres using its KalPRO™ Ultra Repair service, rather than purchasing new tyres, can reduce costs by up to 87%, save 373 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and eliminate the need for approximately 8 050 litres (50 barrels) of oil. “Tyres are strategic assets,” Rigney concluded. “With the right management, they contribute to both financial performance and environmental resilience. Strong collaboration between mine operators, tyre manufacturers and service providers is key to unlocking these next-level benefits.” n
increasingly demand cleaner operations, tyre strategies represent a high impact but underutilised opportunity.” Selecting the right tyre for site conditions Tyre selection plays a critical role in maximising tyre life and reducing total cost of ownership. Matching tyre compounds to operating conditions is essential. For example, long-distance hauls on smooth roads in hot environments typically benefit from heat-resistant compounds. In contrast, cut-resistant compounds are better suited to shorter hauls in abrasive, rocky conditions where damage risk is higher. Other compounds are designed to improve traction in wet or soft ground. “In extreme mining environments, tyre design and quality are paramount,” said Adam Murphy, Senior Vice President of Michelin’s Mining Tire Business Line. “By analysing data on tyre performance and site conditions, manufacturers can continuously optimise innovations that influence tyre life, load capacity, speed, heat resistance and energy efficiency. Energy- efficient rubber compounds allow tyres to run cooler, reducing rolling resistance and improving fuel efficiency.” An example is the Michelin XDR 4 SPEED ENERGY™ tyre, expected to launch commercially in 2026. Compared with the Michelin XDR 250 C, it delivers 3.6% better fuel efficiency— equating to savings of around 5 300 gallons of fuel, or around US$24000 per haul truck annually. Technology-driven improvements in tyre performance Beyond tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) like MICHELIN MEMS 4, emerging technologies such as haul road analysis, fleet diagnostics and smart loading systems are enabling real-time tyre monitoring and management. Autonomous tyre inspections using thermal imaging, AI-powered recognition software and advanced analytics can identify issues without removing trucks from production unless intervention is required. This approach supports targeted maintenance and extends tyre life. At a copper mine in Chile, Kal Tire’s TireSight autonomous inspection system reduced inspection-related downtime by 20%. Haul road design and maintenance also have a significant
March 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 23
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