GACW talks about cutting costs, reducing waste in OTR rubber tires.
by Harmen van Kamp
It is a billion-dollar problem: one of the toughest operational challenges for mining companies has long been the cost, safety risks, and environmental burden associated with off-the-road (OTR) rubber tires.
Tires, fuel and payroll are the three largest expenses for mining companies. Tires wear out quickly under punishing conditions, are prone to overheating, and create long-term disposal liabilities.
GACW feels the issue demands more than incremental improvements, but rather a fundamental reinvention, and thus developed its Air Suspension Wheel (ASW) to meet that. The resulting product created was a sustainable, non-pneumatic wheel designed to meet mining’s extreme demands. A mechanical wheel constructed primarily of steel, integrating in-wheel suspension and damping via nitrogen-filled air cylinders and dampers, ASW – unlike traditional rubber tires – eliminates blowout risks as well as overheating while also significantly reducing tire disposal waste.
For mining, there are a number of benefits to ASW, including durability for one, as the wheels are designed to last the lifespan of the vehicle. Regarding safety and sustainability, they eliminate the risk of overheating or explosion and are 100% rebuildable and recyclable, with replaceable treads that additionally reduce waste.
The mechanical wheel design is adaptable and can be adjusted to the payload, speed, sideload, size, weight, and other requirements, and cost savings can equal up to 60% lower total cost of ownership than traditional tires.
Individual treads can be replaced without removing the wheel, offering time savings from the typical time-consuming process that takes up to eight hours with OTR rubber tires. Finally, the wheels reduce microplastic pollution, landfill waste, and emissions while also saving fuel due to reduced rolling resistance.
More than a vision
ASW is certainly proving itself in the field.
In May 2025, GACW successfully raised $1.47 million through Dealmaker to fund the fabrication and delivery of ASWs for an ongoing trial with a major U.S.-based iron ore mining company. Early results are encouraging, and the trial is expected to conclude later this year, marking a pivotal milestone as we transition from R&D to full commercialization.
The industry response has also been strong. GACW has already received more than $6 million in anticipated purchase orders from six mining companies in the U.S., Canada and Australia. We have also generated approximately $4 million in revenue from industry contracts and trials.
To accelerate adoption, GACW recently launched its third equity crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine, aiming to raise $3.2 million under Regulation CF.
This campaign, our fifth Regulation CF raise overall, is part of a broader, board-approved plan to secure up to $15 million over the next 18 months. These funds will expand production capacity, strengthen our patent portfolio, and scale operations globally.
The company will also pursue a complementary Regulation A+ offering to support additional growth. At the same time, GACW is in advanced discussions with multiple investment groups regarding potential strategic investments, reflecting the strong confidence in our business model and technology.
GACW’s mission is to deliver a safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable wheel that meets the demands of modern mining operations.
For mining operators, we estimate that initial fleet orders for a single large mine could reach in excess of $70 million, reflecting both the economic and environmental benefits of adopting the ASW at scale. Additionally, as mining companies face mounting cost pressures, regulatory scrutiny, and ESG expectations, solutions like the ASW are not optional – they are essential. We are committed to working closely with mining operators to deliver tangible results of reducing costs, increasing safety, and dramatically cutting environmental harm.
About the author: Harmen van Kamp is co-founder and CEO of Arizona-based Global Air Cylinder Wheels (GACW). The company’s focus is the Air Suspension Wheel for OTR mining vehicles and heavy-duty applications.
About the Air Suspension Wheel (ASW)
The ASW replaces the traditional rim, rubber tire and chain.
It combines an inner steel hub with an outer steel drum, which are connected by 12 nitrogen filled cylinders and six oil dampers, providing suspension.
The outer drum can be fitted with bolt on customized polyurethane, steel or biodegradable treads, which can be individually replaced without removing the wheel.
The ASW is designed to replicate the tire size, load bearing capacity (or more if desired), and deflection. ASW’s overall weight is within the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines.