Learning to Roll with the Times

The mining tire market has faced significant change over the past 2-3 years. E&MJ asks suppliers and service companies how they’re keeping mines up and running.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of the mining tire market in 2020 and 2021, and suppliers, service providers and mines are still feeling the effects today. In the early days of the pandemic, government-mandated shutdowns and reduced workforce numbers as team members dealt with the pandemic in their communities, restricted site access. And, two years on, transportation challenges, including port tie-ups and shortages of containers in many ports, continue to hinder shipments of both raw materials and finished tires.

“At the start of 2020, we honestly had no idea what was about to happen,” said Dan Allan, senior vice president, mining tire group at Kal Tire. “Mining was performing well, and there was a good balance between supply and demand. As the pandemic took hold, we saw many mines close temporarily or face extended quarantine periods. Tire usage continued as it had, but …

Source: E&MJ