{"id":5011,"date":"2023-06-16T15:33:31","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T15:33:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/?p=5011"},"modified":"2023-06-16T15:34:49","modified_gmt":"2023-06-16T15:34:49","slug":"mining-tires-risks-and-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/2023\/06\/16\/mining-tires-risks-and-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"MINING TIRES: RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mining tires represent a significant investment; they are also an opportunity to improve not only the efficiency of a mining operation, but also its sustainability. So how can a mine ensure it gets the most economic and environmental benefit from its tires?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Jonathan Rowland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

\"\"
The pressure on efficiency, total cost of ownership, and sustainability is prioritizing the use of digital tire management systems.<\/em> Pictured: EM-Master and ContiConnect 2.0 from Continental.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

Even under the best of circumstances, tires wear out. But mining is about the most challenging environment to which a tire can be exposed: the industry generates huge tonnages of used tires every year as a result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Australia alone, the industry was responsible for 68,000 tonnes of used tires in 2019, according to Tire Stewardship Australia, an organization formed to promote the development of viable markets for end-of-life tires. The vast majority of these were disposed of on-site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, on-site disposal creates ESG risks. \u201cThe biggest and most catastrophic threat is fire,\u201d explained Dave Allan, vice president Canada at Kal Tire\u2019s Mining Tire Group. Although tire fires are uncommon, when they do occur \u201cpeople notice, and they notice for a long time, as tire fires are very difficult to extinguish quickly.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another risk, particularly with large mining tires, is space. \u201cOn a mine site, space is often a valuable commodity: a commodity that stockpiling used tires consumes,\u201d continued Allan. \u201cTires can also collect unwanted things inside of them. Whether this is burrowing animals or standing water that may act as a breeding ground for disease-bearing insects \u2013 which can pose safety risks for individuals who eventually have to move them \u2013 stockpiled tires are not something that mines should really want to keep around for longer than needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, end-of-life tires must also be replaced, and this is where ESG issues start to snowball. \u201cWhile tire dealers and manufacturers work together to dispose and recycle tires properly, each new tire consumes a tremendous number of resources \u2013 from manufacturing to supply chain \u2013 increasing the ESG-related costs,\u201d said Matt Johnson, vice president of MAXAM Mining Group, the dedicated mining segment of MAXAM Tire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor mining tires, it is important to improve the cradle-to-grave environmental impact,\u201d agreed Adam Murphy, senior vice president, Michelin Mining. This includes \u201cwhat raw materials are extracted and used in the design and production of tires, how energy efficient they are while in use, and what happens to those tires at the end of life.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tires can also play a role in tackling some of the major macro challenges facing the industry. For example, they can improve the efficiency of a mining operation by delivering greater durability or allowing faster speeds or higher payloads, explained Rob Seibert, president, Off-the-Road, U.S. and Canada at Bridgestone Americas. \u201cThat increased production can translate to impactful financial savings for an operation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe responsible tire industry \u2013 and specifically the mining tire industry \u2013 has to face the challenge to move toward to more efficient, more sustainable vehicles, products and processes, with more sustainable materials,\u201d added Reinhard Klant, product manager for earthmover tires at Continental. This includes embracing and providing solutions for trends like electrification and digitalization. \u201cTo efficiently shape the tire-use phase with our customers is of major importance. End users are seeing the powerful influence of these trends on sustainable operations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mining tires are thus a mixed bag of ESG risks and opportunities that spiral out to influence the wider mine environment. However, what is clear is that you overlook a tire at your peril: careful consideration and management across the complete tire lifecycle is needed to reduce the risks and make the most of the opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n

\"\"
Mines are striving to become more efficient. This means higher horsepower equipment and, in many cases, more demanding routes.<\/em> In order to operate in this environment, more robust and capable tires have had to be developed and these products need to be<\/em> consistently monitored. Photo: Continental DumperMaster Mining<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

THE FIRST STEP: TIRE SOURCING<\/strong>
\u201cQuality input means quality output,\u201d said Eric Matson, manager of Global Field Engineering, OTR, at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. \u201cA high-quality premium product will have the lowest total cost of ownership over time and allow for more sustainable choices over the life of the tire, such as re-treading.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continental\u2019s Matthew Futrelle, head of business field Earthmover Tires, agreed: \u201cMine operators are trying to get the most saleable ore from their operations, at the lowest cost possible, to maximize and protect their value. When it comes to tires, premium quality products, with a long operating life, optimize resources by minimizing the total cost of ownership.\u201d A key part of this is \u201cusing the right tire for the application. An application analysis and enhanced consultancy can make a decisive difference here.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt Johnson of MAXAM Tire also raised the importance of site conditions when sourcing a sustainable tire solution. \u201cSome of the most common issues we see when visiting mines to diagnose problems is customers not using the right compound in their OTR tires. To optimize sustainability \u2013 especially when dealing with haul truck tires \u2013 it is critical for the site to commission a site analysis from either the tire dealer or the manufacturer. This will help ensure selection of an appropriate tire compound for the road conditions and haul applications.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Johnson went on to provide the example of a site that runs at higher speeds, with little debris on its haul roads, where MAXAM Tire \u201cwould recommend a tire that contains a heat-resistant compound, because these evacuate heat.\u201d However, such tires would not be appropriate on abrasive surfaces that have higher tonne kilometers per hour (TKPH) conditions. \u201cIt is therefore critical for a mine to understand the site conditions its tires will operate in and source from there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to placing tires within the wider issue of mine sustainability, \u201clife cycle assessments (LCAs) are useful for understanding the environmental impacts of products, services, and solutions,\u201d explained Michelin\u2019s Adam Murphy. For example, Michelin assesses each stage of a tire\u2019s life cycle against 16 environmental impacts, measuring health, climate change, use of fossil resources, and biodiversity. \u201cFrom these analyses, the most significant environmental impact occurs when tires are in use: a tire\u2019s energy efficiency \u2013 its rolling and motion resistance \u2013 is key to helping mines reduce CO2 emissions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MAKING A SUSTAINABLE TIRE<\/em>
The second most significant impact is raw materials, continued Murphy. \u201cThe use of renewable and recyclable materials in mining tires minimizes the impact of natural resources.\u201d For example, Michelin is working to progressively integrate sustainable materials into tires with the goal of achieving 100% sustainable materials by 2050. The company is also working with customers to develop end-of-life tire recycling solutions that eliminate waste at mines and increase circularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other manufacturers are working toward similar goals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Bridgestone is working to achieve 40% renewable material
    in its full tire portfolio by 2030, said Rob Siebert. \u201cOur OTR
    business has been ticking off major self-mandated milestones in an effort to reduce our impact and increase sustainability of the raw materials we need to make our tires.\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sustainability is an \u201cintegral part of our Vision 2030 strategy
    for the tires group sector,\u201d explained Continental\u2019s Klant. \u201cWe follow a holistic sustainability approach that takes into account all phases of a tire\u2019s value chain and continuously invest in R&D into alternative and sustainable materials, as well as environmentally-friendly production processes. By 2030, our flagship tire products will contain 60% sustainable materials.\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • MAXAM Tire \u201cworks with dealers to sustainably dispose of
    tires, as well as targeting our manufacturing processes,\u201d said Johnson. Its latest tire compounding technology, for
    example, enables \u201coptimum mixing uniformity\u201d during production, which not only improves performance and durability, but also \u201crepresents a breakthrough in green and low-carbon tire development.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Sustainability also means taking aim at the carbon emitted during tire production. For example, Bridgestone is working to achieve a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 from a 2011 baseline, said Siebert. \u201cOur Aiken County plant in South Carolina has taken tremendous strides in reducing its Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This is achieved by minimizing material waste, leveraging rail transportation, and being mindful of emissions from purchased energy.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n

    \"\"
    Careful consideration and management of the complete tire lifecycle is needed to reduce ESG risks and make the most of ESG<\/em> opportunities. Photo: Bridgestone Americas<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    STEP TWO: TIRE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE <\/strong>
    Progressive tire management is the next step in achieving a sustainable tire life cycle. This begins by \u201cunderstanding the times when more (or fewer) tires are needed due to seasonality,\u201d said Kal Tire\u2019s Dave Allan. \u201cOrdering more than you need for spring break-up \u2013 in cold Canadian conditions, for example \u2013 and fewer tires through winter months not only helps budgets, but also helps with ESG issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When it comes to maintaining an operating tire, the expert consensus was clear: know your tires. \u201cTires are a significant investment,\u201d explained Goodyear\u2019s Eric Matson, \u201cso it makes sense to take steps to optimize their performance and longevity. Since the needs vary from customer to customer and site to site, a tailored tire maintenance program is needed, including tire inspection, performance tracking, and data analysis for actionable insights and reporting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    TIRE INSPECTION<\/em>
    Daily inspection of tire inflation and wear \u201cshould be the cornerstone of any maintenance program,\u201d continued Matson. \u201cMaintaining proper inflation levels is one of the most effective practices that a mining operation can employ to achieve enhanced tire performance and longer service life. Including an automated tire pressure monitoring system can help maintain inflation and increase energy efficiency, which has an impact on fuel cost and carbon emissions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A pre-shift inspection is \u201ceasy enough to conduct and makes a significant difference in increasing uptime and safety,\u201d agreed MAXAM Tire\u2019s Matt Johnson, who also stressed the importance of tire pressure monitoring. \u201cThe difference between cold and hot pressures should be established every season, for every cycle and wheel position separately. This can be set by adjusting cold pressures on a vehicle after servicing in the workshop and repeating the operation immediately after at least four hours of constant operations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    According to Continental\u2019s Klant, if tire pressure is optimized, an operator can save 15 minutes per vehicle (195 hours per year) on inspection, increase fuel efficiency by 1%, and gain 15% longer tread life on average, compared to a tire that is 10% underinflated. In short, \u201can incorrect tire pressure means significantly higher fuel consumption \u2013 and thus, depending on the fuel, higher carbon emissions \u2013 as well as a huge waste of resources and money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Inspections should also \u201cwatch for deep cuts to the steel, bubbles in the sidewall, and severe tread damage,\u201d continued Johnson, which may indicate overloading or debris on the haul roads that is causing damage. \u201cFinally, always check wheels to establish tire and\/or rim damage, as bent or cracked rims may cause air pressure loss, resulting in under-inflation and overloaded conditions. In severe cases, this can result in structural damage and even tire explosion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In addition to visual inspections by human operators, AI-powered autonomic tire inspection stations are now available, utilizing thermal imaging cameras to determine tire condition, added Kal Tire\u2019s Allan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once inspections are made, priority workorders should be made through a tire operations program to tell technicians about the issues and their severity. \u201cWorking with AI has made this even more encompassing,\u201d continued Allan, \u201cas this can now be done while the trucks are moving, with workorders created automatically, so technicians can prepare for the change or work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    PERFORMANCE TRACKING AND DATA ANALYSIS<\/em>
    This brings us to the intersection between tires and that other key meta theme within the mining industry: digitalization. \u201cWe continue to see how today\u2019s customer values data and insights more than ever,\u201d said Bridgestone\u2019s Siebert. \u201cCustomers today want innovative solutions that deliver real-time updates on every aspect of their operation, with safe and reliable equipment for the site. They also want this in the palm of their hand. Of course, this all ties back to sustainability: getting the most of out of your operations.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Connected tire management systems \u201cequip mines with mission-critical information to help the mines operate more safely, more intelligently, and more sustainably,\u201d said Michelin\u2019s Adam Murphy. In their infancy, these systems merely gave mines information on tire pressure and temperature to help prevent premature wear and failure. Today, they are \u201cmuch more sophisticated, using technology like GPS and geofencing, to monitor position, speeds, and routes that may contribute to premature tire wear. Leveraging data between vehicles and tires equips mining personnel with substantial information to strengthen safety, improve overall mine productivity, save on budget, and increase truck availability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For Continental, this creates the possibility of intelligent or smart tires, which can be tracked at all time, resulting in greater control of operating lifetimes. Integrated functionality to track tire checks and health status also \u201callows a more transparent prediction of when replacement and\/or rotation is required,\u201d said the company\u2019s Reinhard Klant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So how does digital tire management work? Klant again: \u201cSensors inside the tires transmit real-time data about the inflation pressure and temperature in relation to the load cycle of the vehicle. When tires are underinflated or at risk of overheating, warnings can be shown to the driver, via an in-cabin display or vehicle dashboard, as well as to the fleet manager via a web-based application.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The latest tire management systems may also feature a digital twin of each tire, complete with part number, meaning fleet operators \u201calways know which tire is fitted to which vehicle and in what position,\u201d continued Klant. \u201cOn top of inflation pressure and temperature, performance parameters from fleet checks, such as tread depth and tire condition, can also be tracked.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This captured data \u201cestablishes norms and baselines that help mines make better decisions about the tires they are currently using, as well as helping predict future tire requirements more accurately,\u201d explained Goodyear\u2019s Matson. \u201cBy tracking performance and other indicators over time, you can enhance the ability to predict when tires will need to be replaced. This drives up efficiency and drives down waste.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n

    \"\"
    A site analysis is critical to ensure the selection of an appropriate<\/em> tire compound for site conditions. Photo: MAXAM Tire<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

    THE THIRD STEP: CLOSING THE LOOP<\/strong>
    And this brings us back to where we began the article \u2013 to those end-of-life tires. Well, almost. Firstly, we come to re-treading and Allan again: \u201cRepairing tires, or re-treading, extends the life of the tire versus purchasing a new one and can result in hundreds or thousands of additional service hours, lessening a tire\u2019s carbon footprint.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To measure the sustainability impact of re-treading, Kal Tire developed a proprietary carbon calculator, verified by SCS Global, an international leader specializing in third-party environmental certification. Through this program, the company provides customers with a certificate outlining the GHG savings accomplished with the repair (on tires 49 inches and above) or re-treading of the tire. \u201cWe know that these types of calculations are important to customers,\u201d said Allan, \u201cand by using third-party accreditation, we can assure that they are independent and unbiased.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThe materials used to build a mining tire can easily exceed one tonne in weight,\u201d said Continental\u2019s Reinhard Klant, taking up the theme. \u201cReusing the largest part of this resource \u2013 namely the tire carcass \u2013 thus represents a huge step forward in tire sustainability.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When it comes to tire recycling, there are many different types of technologies available, noted both Kal Tire\u2019s Allan and Michelin\u2019s Murphy. Some are already in use; others are still in the R&D phase. Examples include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Shredding and grinding tires <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Ambient scrap tire processing (similar to shredding and grinding) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Cryogenic crushing: a process of freezing the tyre and then crushing it <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Pyrolysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Water jetting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Molectra: integrates mechanical, chemical, and microwave treatments <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Devulcanization <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      While technologies change quickly, \u201cwe really want to ensure that the entire tire can be re-used or re-purposed to ensure the highest and best use of the elements of the tire,\u201d concluded Allan. Kal Tire currently uses thermal conversion \u2013 a process that uses heat and friction in the absence of oxygen to induce a reaction that converts tires into their base elements \u2013 in its recycling plant. This process breaks down the tire to its core elements (carbon ash, steel, oil, and synthetic gas), with each of these able to be re-used or recycled in other products. This contrasts with a technology like shredding or devulcanization, when \u201cthere is still a portion of the tire that cannot be used and will likely find its way into a landfill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      MAXAM Tire takes a similar approach to convert tires back into their constituent parts. Michelin, meanwhile, has three active projects on three continents, working alongside customers, to \u201cexplore and develop end-of-life tire recycling solutions,\u201d said Murphy. One of these, a project located in Chile, is expected to be operational this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      However, despite companies being looking seriously at recycling, thanks to an enhanced focus on ESG performance, as well as impending legislation in various countries, there remains a question over how to pay for recycling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cRegardless of the chosen method, recycling OTR tires is costly and, if there is no regulation, mines can struggle to make the case for capital allocation,\u201d explained Allan. \u201cOne way to tackle this may be through accessing mine remediation budgets. Every mine has money set aside for reclamation and eventual closure. The challenge lies in accessing that budget today, so that mines can recycle tires progressively, rather than waiting until closure, when there are thousands of products awaiting disposal. There is an evolution that should happen internally to bring those two value streams closer together.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \"\"
      Kal Tire\u2019s thermal conversion recycling facility in Antofagasta, Chile, is successfully recycling mining tires.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      CONCLUSION <\/strong>
      The mining industry has \u201ca unique role in enabling a cleaner plant and supporting humankind achieve net zero,\u201d concluded Michelin\u2019s Murphy. With ESG and climate change top priorities for mines worldwide, every aspect of the mine is under the spotlight. This includes mining tires. And as Murphy continued: \u201cour mining customers are expected to grow more quickly and cleanly than ever before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The solution, according to Murphy, will lie in \u201ccollaboration and partnership.\u201d Fortunately, it appears those involved in the manufacture, supply, and management of mining tires stand ready to assist the mining industry achieve the most sustainable mining tire solutions possible, and thus to continue driving up sustainability standards into the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n

      OUR PANEL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Dave Allan, vice president Canada, Kal Tire\u2019s Mining Tire Group<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Matt Johnson, vice president, MAXAM Mining Group<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Matthew Futrelle, head of business field \u2013 Earthmover Tires, Continental<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Reinhard Klant, product manager for Earthmover Tires, Continental<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Eric Matson, manager of Global Field Engineering, OTR, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Adam Murphy, senior vice president, Michelin Mining<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Rob Seibert, president, Off-the-Road, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n

        \"\"
        Tire repair or retreading (pictured) maintains tire performance and can extend the life of the tire, resulting in hundreds or thousands of hours in additional service. Photo: Kal Tire<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Mining tires represent a significant investment; they are also an opportunity to improve not only the efficiency of a mining operation, but also its sustainability. So how can a mine ensure it gets the most economic and environmental benefit from its tires? By Jonathan Rowland Even under the best of circumstances, tires wear out. But mining is about the most…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5012,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[2119,2118,741,1937,742],"coauthors":[1635],"class_list":["post-5011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","tag-goodyear-tire-rubber-co","tag-kal-tire","tag-maxam-tire","tag-mining-operation","tag-mining-tires"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t