Michelin and China Coal Pingshuo, China’s largest surface coal mine, have signed a three-year renewable contract for the provision of a new kind of service. It has contracted Michelin to provide and maintain 53/80R63 tyres for the Komatsu 930E trucks in the mine. The leader in the Chinese market for giant 63-in tyres, Michelin had previously signed a tyre supply contract with Pingshuo in May 2007. In May 2008, the same customer chose Michelin as its 2007 Supplier of the Year from a list of 186 companies.

China Coal Pingshuo is the leading producer of coal from open-pit mines (73 Mtin 2007). The services, which Michelin will begin to provide with immediate effect, will help to extend tyre life, thereby keeping the mine’s vehicles operational for longer periods. This in turn will help to reduce operating costs and increase productivity, while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The goal of the service contract is to optimise conditions of use for the 63-in tyres fitted on vehicles operated in the mine. To achieve this goal, specialist Michelin technicians, in co-operation with teams from China Coal Pingshuo, will manage the service shop, where tyres will be fitted, removed and repaired. Tyre pressures will be checked and maintained at the right levels, and other operations will be carried out to ensure that tyres are used in the best possible conditions.