The smarter tyre solution powering the future of mining
Mining is one of the most demanding industries on earth. From South Africa’s deep-level shafts to Zambia’s rugged Copperbelt, every operation depends on reliable equipment to keep materials moving and crews safe. Yet, even with advances in technology and infrastructure, one issue continues to undermine productivity and profitability: flat tyres.
A single tyre failure on a loader, haul truck, or shuttle car can halt production, trigger safety risks, and cost thousands of dollars in lost productivity. In confined underground tunnels, a tyre replacement is not just an inconvenience, it is a logistical and financial setback that can derail entire shifts. Across open-pit sites, sharp debris and extreme heat make pneumatic tyres especially vulnerable to punctures and blowouts. For many operators, these recurring failures have become an accepted cost of doing business. But they do not have to be.
Flatproofing solutions provider Carlisle TyrFil has spent more than five decades proving that there is a smarter, safer way forward. TyrFil flatproofing eliminates the risk of flats altogether by replacing air inside pneumatic tyres with a polyurethane liquid that cures into a resilient elastomer core. Once filled, a tyre becomes completely flatproof, able to withstand jagged rock, metal fragments, and punishing terrain without compromise. This simple yet revolutionary change transforms tyre performance and delivers measurable results for mines across the globe.
The immediate benefit is uptime. Instead of losing hours, or even days, to flat tyre repairs, equipment stays in service and production stays on schedule. Fewer interruptions mean smoother workflows, more predictable maintenance, and stronger bottom-line results. Over time, the financial returns compound as mines spend less on emergency service calls, equipment repairs, and unexpected replacements.
But the impact goes beyond the balance sheet. TyrFil enhances safety at every turn. By maintaining consistent internal pressure and preventing sudden flats or blowouts, vehicles fitted with filled-pneumatic tyres offer more stability, control and reliability. Operators experience a smoother ride with less bounce and vibration, reducing physical strain and fatigue. This improved comfort translates into sharper focus and safer decision-making during long shifts in challenging conditions. In underground operations, where visibility is limited and hazards are high, greater control directly improves crew safety.
Flat tyres also accelerate equipment wear, a hidden cost that erodes the lifespan of critical components like axles, suspensions and hydraulics. TyrFil’s cushioning effect helps absorb shock, protecting these systems from the relentless impacts of rough terrain. That means less downtime for repairs, extended equipment life, and stronger returns on capital investment. For mines already working under tight margins, this durability can be the difference between meeting or missing production goals.
Sustainability is another dimension where TyrFil leads. Traditional tyre disposal contributes significantly to landfill waste and environmental strain. Carlisle TyrFil’s closed-loop recycling technology allows cured tyre fillto be reclaimed, processed, and blended with virgin polyurethane. This innovation reduces the need for petrochemicals, lowers carbon emissions, and diverts material from landfills, all while delivering the same high-performance benefits operators expect. Mines that adopt TyrFil not only safeguard their bottom line but also take meaningful steps toward meeting tightening environmental regulations and advancing their sustainability goals.
Carlisle TyrFil invented polyurethane tyre fill in 1971 and remains the global leader in flatproofing solutions today. With the widest range of original equipment manufacturer approvals, multiple durometer options for varied equipment and environments, and manufacturing facilities across the US, Germany and China, the company provides unmatched reliability and support. Backed by a team of chemists, engineers, and technical specialists, TyrFil is more than a product, it is a proven partnership that keeps mines rolling.
In an industry where every minute matters, the choice of tyre technology can be the difference between stagnation and success. Pneumatic tyres, no matter how well maintained, cannot match the resilience required by modern mining. TyrFil flatproofing empowers operators to eliminate flats, extend equipment life, improve worker safety, and meet sustainability benchmarks, all while keeping production on track.
The future of mining is too important to be slowed down by preventable problems. With TyrFil, operators can move past the costly cycle of tyre failures and focus on what matters most: productivity, profitability, and the people who make mining possible.
Keep mining with TyrFil. Learn more at https://carlisletyrfil.com/who-we-serve/mining-applications/.
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