Michelin
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility sustainably; designing, producing and distributing the most suitable tires for its clients’ needs and uses; providing services and solutions to help them operate safer, smarter and more sustainably; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries, has 132,000 employees and operated 121 production facilities in 2022.
A proactive approach to haul road management
Mines, by their very nature, are unforgiving environments that require robust machinery and the utmost effort from both equipment and crews. This is particularly true for haul roads that are in constant use. These roads are the backbone of any mine site and impact vehicle downtime, and manually managing them can hinder operational efficiency. Developed in collaboration with three mines around the world, MICHELIN BETTER HAUL ROAD is a digital solution designed to enhance safety and efficiency in mining operations.
The importance of well-maintained haul roads cannot be overstated. MICHELIN BETTER HAUL ROAD provides a solution that allows mine managers to keep a close eye on this critical infrastructure. By monitoring haul roads in real time, operators can swiftly identify incidents such as debris or road damage that may arise. The system then allows them to register the issue within the app or through dispatch with the web, track its status via the app or web, and efficiently assign a repair team to address and resolve the problem.
“With MICHELIN BETTER HAUL ROAD, mine operators gain peace of mind through improved safety, prioritised actions, and streamlined team coordination, driving better haul road conditions,” said Christel Dubus, CMO Mining Services for Michelin. “With features that allow for task prioritisation and seamless follow-up for teams or contractors, as well as improved operator recognition, it supports the continuous evolution of a mine’s pit and its goal of achieving higher speed and production with lower energy consumption and improved haul road quality.”
The digital solution allows prioritisation of data-driven actions and supports a mine’s constant pit evolution with improved haul road conditions. “This proactive approach to haul-road management ensures that any issues are quickly resolved, minimising downtime and maintaining the flow of operations while considering opportunities to reduce fuel and energy consumption,” said Dubus. “By continuously monitoring haul-road conditions, MICHELIN BETTER HAUL ROAD helps ensure the longevity and reliability of these crucial transportation routes, ultimately supporting the overall efficiency and safety of mining activities.”
Using Michelin’s solution is straightforward and efficient. When an incident such as spillage or undulation is detected on a haul road, the system allows operators to quickly register the issue within the app or call it in to dispatch through radio communication. The status of the incident can then be tracked continuously, ensuring that it is promptly addressed according to its level of urgency. The system facilitates the efficient assignment of a repair team to resolve the problem, minimising downtime and maintaining operational flow.
Every aspect of MICHELIN BETTER HAUL ROAD is designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring it can be tailored to meet the unique requirements and safety regulations of any mine site. From the configuration of incidents and teams to the prioritisation of tasks and alerts, the solution can be customised to align with specific operational protocols and safety standards. This adaptability allows mines to set parameters that reflect their specific challenges and goals, seamlessly integrating into existing workflows and enhancing them in the process.
Additionally, the solution not only collects data but also transfers the data into easy-to-read dashboards that offer valuable insights into needed improvements. These dashboards enable mines to identify pockets of improvements and target actions. Further, Michelin Consultants are available to help you maximise this feature, ensuring continuous enhancement of haul road conditions and overall mine productivity.
MICHELIN BETTER HAUL ROAD is an integral part of Michelin’s comprehensive portfolio of products and services designed to enhance the operations of mining companies. This portfolio, known as Michelin Better Mining, aims to help mines operate safer, smarter, and more sustainably. By leveraging advanced technologies and innovative solutions, Michelin Better Mining addresses the unique challenges faced by its mining customers, from improving equipment performance and reducing downtime to enhancing safety protocols and minimising environmental impact. With MICHELIN BETTER HAUL ROAD and other tailored solutions, Michelin is committed to supporting mining companies in achieving their operational goals while promoting a more sustainable future for the industry.