MINING TYRES
products that they replaced . The MICHELIN XDR4 SPEED range of products meets the needs of miners as they target moving more tons of material with less , while also cutting costs .”
In addition , Michelin introduced in 2023 the 70 / 70R57 MICHELIN X MINE L4 ** tyre , the first radial construction designed to boost the productivity and mobility of the world ’ s largest wheel loader , the Komatsu WE2350 / P & H L2350 .
Santo also commented : “ The same tyres will react differently from mine to mine due to the prevailing conditions , the terrain , altitude , the rock type and other factors . While we don ’ t necessarily make customised tyres for specific mines , we have a range of tyres with different compounds and treads that have the necessary attributes to suit variations between the different mines in Chile and indeed the different mines worldwide .”
And he added that its market leadership stems from a lot more than the tyres themselves . “ Of course , first and foremost comes our expertise as a global company in producing premium large radial tyres with very high performance and consistent quality . But beyond that , there is the expertise as mentioned of working with the customer to select the right tyres for their mine and mine conditions . And thirdly , and just as important , is the maintenance and support and how we can help the mines get the best out of those tyres . And that includes implementing best practices in tyre usage and management – we are not a transactional tyre supplier – we are there to help the customer .”
Carrillo added : “ I would also emphasise the importance of our Michelin engineers in the field – who are at the mines giving advice to the customers . Mines change – they expand , access new areas of ore deposits , move their haul roads , or haul roads can deteriorate over time – this can mean changes in things like truck speeds and load factors . Our people help manage these changes from a tyre point of view .”
Santo : “ We are able to sit down with the customer with the help of our technical experts and explain how their changing operations are affecting tyre performance and how they can adapt and evolve their practices to allow for this . They really value that .”
Mining tyres and AHS
A topic that often comes up in mines running autonomous haulage fleets is how does this change tyre wear and the mining tyre approach ? Santo : “ Autonomous haulage fleet numbers have indeed increased over the past years . We find that there is an improvement on wear of the tyre that could increase tyre life and reduce tyre consumption when using autonomous platforms , and the autonomous fleets can become more productive , especially as technology will continue to improve in the future . Truck utilisation rates are higher , and this has a positive impact on productivity . Michelin ’ s product portfolio offers a range of tyres that allow for increased speed and load that can match the performance achieved by the autonomous machines today .”
He says that most autonomous machines use the 40.00R57 MICHELIN XDR3 + tyre or the 50 / 80R57 MICHELIN XDR250 tyre , and for highspeed applications the 50 / 80R57 MICHELIN XDR4 SPEED tyre . For Ultra Class machines , Michelin offers the 53 / 80R63 MICHELIN XDR3 + tyre and the MICHELIN XDR3 + EXTRA LOAD tyre as well as the MICHELIN 59 / 80R63 XDR3 + and XDR4 EXTRA LOAD tyres . He adds : “ The autonomous machine characteristics continue to remain within the tolerances of the Michelin tyre design , and we continue to work with the OEMs as they tune and develop their autonomous haulage offers .”
Michelin ’ s TK model for maximum performance and partnership
The TK model began in 2005 as a response to a request from AMSA ’ s Los Pelambres copper mine to their suppliers to present a variable cost proposal . Michelin co-developed together with the mine a variable model which is a comprehensive tire service that includes the tire supply and maintenance . Carrillo : “ Our proposal was a productivity-oriented model - load multiplied by distance , which is tons multiplied per kilometer in the metric system . This is not a leasing model . The invoicing is based on the monthly TK produced .”
She adds : “ Through a virtuous circle of shared purpose between three partners : the mining company , Michelin , and the tyre maintenance service provider with incentives , and commitment
Michelin Group has a clear strategy and vision on sustainability . Image : www . 123rf . com
where Michelin take the responsibility of the governance of the tyres and around tyre processes .”
Santo continues : “ I would describe TK as a win win solution for mobility in mines . But it requires the right mining customer and the right mine that matches with Michelin and the TK model and concept – because it takes the partnership to a new level – you could say it is a ‘ marriage ’ between us and the mine . We become part of the mine ’ s value chain in a much deeper way . Because in that way the customer will be able to gain added competitiveness . Michelin is actually paid on the basis of the tyre performance ie TK and as such we provide the tyres , which remains owned by us , but also all the services around the maintenance and life of those tyres including recycling – we call it TK 360 .”
This model will celebrate 20 years in operation in 2025 and is in its fourth contract with the mine . It has also been implemented in two other mining companies in Chile : BHP Spence and Collahuasi . Recently , in May 2024 , Michelin received recognition from AMSA group , the largest private mining holding in Chile , for exemplary operational performance at the Los Pelambres mine . Michelin is also aiming to implement the TK model outside of Chile and is working towards this .
Concerning the evolution of the TK model , it has adapted according to the clients ’ demands and Michelin ’ s strategic vision over the years . Carrillo : “ TK has passed from being a variable cost model concept to one that is a solution based on productivity contributions through a comprehensive tire service aligned with the mining industry ’ s own objectives - transport more
26 International Mining | JULY 2024