Chile’s BAILAC has announced the renewal of its contract with Chilean copper mine Minera Sierra Gorda for its OTR tyre management service. The mine operates a large fleet of nearly 60 Komatsu 930E trucks and produces copper and molybdenum concentrate. On a daily basis some 115, 000 t of ore are processed, producing 108,000 t of copper and 9,000 t of molybdenum annually.

The mine is owned 55% by KGHM International and 45% by South 32. It is notable as one of the mines in the region successfully operating with a very low grade of copper sulphide, so maximising efficiency for high production rates is crucial at the site.

BAILAC stated: “This renewal once again strengthens the bond between both companies, which has extended for more than 10 years, a period in which BAILAC has become a strategic partner for the mining company, achieving excellent results in safety and operations.”

BAILAC has been in business since 1925, and it offers complete Off-The-Road (OTR) tyre maintenance and management for tyre sizes over 25 in, working with mines and construction companies to reduce tyre costs through retreads and repairs. It also offers mining tyre recycling through its RECYTIRE program.

It uses its highly regarded PASCUAL ETM software which was developed in-house to optimise the management and administration of tyres, rings, chains, sensors and torque tools used in OTR tyre management. It allows the keeping of a complete digital record of the status and activities of these elements from their entry to work until the end of their useful life, with clear information and in real time.

Its maintenance equipment includes solutions from Canada’s B&D Manufacturing such as the Evolution Jack certified two-point lifting system for trucks from 240 to 400 ton trucks; the THS-40 tyre manipulator for tight spaces, aluminium ladders, brackets, and wedges for mining equipment; and the Multi Handler manipulator for disassembly of major components on Cat and Komatsu trucks.