Bridgestone is enhancing efficiency and performance in underground mining with a tyre range specifically developed for extreme operating conditions. The new VMNT, VMDL and VMMS tyres have been engineered for underground applications, where rough, sharp rock surfaces, high humidity and continuous heavy-duty operation push tyres and equipment to their limits every day.
All three tyres feature Bridgestone’s Subterranean Technology, introduced for the first time on underground mining equipment. This technology enables operators to carry significantly higher loads without increasing tyre pressure, while also reducing the risk of cuts, punctures and costly downtime.
The new range forms part of Bridgestone’s “Moving More with Less” philosophy. It combines increased load capacity, durability and safety in a package designed to help operators maximise productivity in underground mining operations.
Specifically designed for extreme underground conditions
The tyres have been developed to meet the demanding conditions found underground. Their tread design helps absorb and disperse rocks and sharp debris more effectively, reducing cuts and damage to the rubber without compromising traction or ride comfort. The result is improved protection against tyre damage, particularly in environments where standing water, high humidity and abrasive surfaces place additional stress on the tyres.
The VMNT tyre for underground dump trucks delivers outstanding load-carrying capacity without the need for increased inflation pressure, while also providing extended service life. The VMDL tyre for underground Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) machines features a specialised lug tread pattern designed to deliver optimum traction.
The VMMS features an innovative smooth, groove-free tread design, as the required traction in underground mining is generated primarily through vehicle weight and ground pressure. Reinforced, cut-resistant sidewalls further enhance durability and resistance to damage in demanding operating environments.
The range is available in the following sizes:
• 26.5 R25
• 29.5 R29
• 35/65 R33
“These tyres were developed specifically for the extreme demands of underground mining,” says Thomas Wörner, Bridgestone Head of Sales OTR DACH. “The new tyre range offers 15 per cent higher load-carrying capacity without requiring increased inflation pressure. This is a major advantage in underground mining, where tyres are exposed to tremendous stresses. At the same time, mining equipment continues to become heavier, increasing the demands on safety, stability and durability. With this development, Bridgestone is helping operators work more efficiently and reliably.”
The introduction of the VMNT, VMDL and VMMS further strengthens Bridgestone’s Off-the-Road tyre portfolio and underlines the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that improve productivity, durability and safety in specialised applications worldwide.
![Schematic of a polymetallic nodule mining operation. From top to bottom, the three zoom-in panels illustrate the surface operation vessel, the midwater sediment plume, and the nodule collector operating on the seabed. The midwater plume comprises two stages: (i) the dynamic plume, in which the sediment-laden discharge water rapidly descends and dilutes to a neutral buoyancy depth, and (ii) the subsequent ambient plume that is advected by the ocean current and subject to background turbulence and settling.[1] Image: Wikipedia Commons, Kredit: Carlos Muñoz-Royo.](https://www.miningmetalnews.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_frontpage_small/public/media-cover-images/schematic-of-a-polymetallic-nodule-mining-operation-from-top-to-bottom-the-three_2_0.jpg?h=3df05eba&itok=fdvTZ2tH&u=1776673036)
![Schematic of a polymetallic nodule mining operation. From top to bottom, the three zoom-in panels illustrate the surface operation vessel, the midwater sediment plume, and the nodule collector operating on the seabed. The midwater plume comprises two stages: (i) the dynamic plume, in which the sediment-laden discharge water rapidly descends and dilutes to a neutral buoyancy depth, and (ii) the subsequent ambient plume that is advected by the ocean current and subject to background turbulence and settling.[1] Image: Wikipedia Commons, Kredit: Carlos Muñoz-Royo.](https://www.miningmetalnews.com/sites/default/files/styles/related_news_image/public/media-cover-images/schematic-of-a-polymetallic-nodule-mining-operation-from-top-to-bottom-the-three_2_0.jpg?h=3df05eba&itok=My_MmN9i&u=1776673036)
