Tyre management systems are the set frameworks put in place to keep track of tyres and increase their longevity. Tyres used by heavy vehicles used for hauling ores and waste materials at an open pit haul fleet must be under close management. The tyres cost a substantial amount of money; they make up 10% to 20% of all the mining operations costs (Shakenov et al., 2022). Longevity of the tyres implies the longest safe period until a tyre reaches a point where it needs to be changed because of wear and tear.
However, accidental problems associated with the tyre are the greatest risk that is posed to any tire management process. As noted from literature, the majority of the dump truck tyres fail due to cuts and separation of the tyres as well as excess heat generated within them (Kunkyin-Saadaari et al., 2025). It is risky to have blown-out tires, since the quick deflation of tires creates very dangerous situations for workers around (Kunkyin-Saadaari et al., 2025). Another factor is that any unexpected replacement will stop haulage of material, hence affecting profitability.
Maintenance of the in-pit haul road system is another crucial component of an effective tyre management program. The condition of the road determines the extent of tyre wear and carcass fatigue. Ongoing monitoring of the road surface, particularly during extreme summer conditions, is necessary to avoid tyre delamination due to high temperatures (Shakenov et al., 2022). Removing debris from the roads and smoothing the surfaces minimizes shocks and punctures that cause premature tyre damage.
A proper fleet management process involves strict monitoring of the truck parameters. The managers of the mine should pay attention to the loading weight, cycle times, and tyre pressure, ensuring that there are no overloaded tyres exposed to operations that exceed their limits. Inappropriate pressure and overloadings result in overheating and premature ageing of tyres (Shakenov et al., 2022). Proper calculations of TKPH ratings enable the selection of the optimal tyres based on cooling abilities.
The tyre management system of today is very dependent upon the use of digital systems that track their status. Through the process of gathering information, the mine may use artificial intelligence models like Generalized Regression Neural Networks to forecast the residual service life of their tires (Kunkyin-Saadaari et al., 2025). Such forecasts enable the timely replacement of worn-out tyres prior to any incidents that could happen due to hazardous conditions in the field.
In summary, to create a proper tyre management programme, one needs to take a holistic approach. The combination of smooth haul roads, strict adherence to weight regulations, and accurate predictions made using predictive analytics will result in the prolongation of tyres’ operational lifespan at an open pit mine.
References
Kunkyin-Saadaari, F., Kesseh, A., & Agadzie, V. K. (2025). GRNN-FA hybrid model for predicting the useful life of dump truck tyres. Journal of Sustainable Mining, 24, 227–249. https://doi.org/10.46873/2300-3960.1451
Shakenov, A., Sadkowski, A., & Stolpovskikh, I. (2022). Haul road condition impact on tire life of mining dump truck. Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu, 25–29. https://doi.org/10.33271/nvngu/2022-6/025
