All tyred out/Tyre experts believe Australia is doing pretty well in terms of handling the tyre shortage compared to other mining countries

摘要

Tales of miners digging up old tyres and re-using them, or putting their dump truck up on blocks because they can't get rubber for them, hold little truth these days, and the ramping up of large tyre production in China has to some extent warded off the availability crisis. However, for miners who don't have ongoing supply contracts with the big three (Bridgestone, Michelin or Goodyear), it is not an ideal situation. Generally speaking, most Chinese-sourced tyres are of inferior quality and more expensive than their big three counterparts. Most Chinese manufacturers are well aware of the availability crisis with the big three, and charge accordingly. "If you buy a 1400/57 bias ply Chinese tyre, you'll pay more than if you buy a 1400/57 radial under a supply contract from one of the big three," said Tony Cutler, of tyre management consultants Otraco. "The main area in the world that is buying the Chinese tyres is South Africa," he said. "They have limited support from the big three for various reasons. And in Australia and other countries buyers of Chinese tyres are going to be people who cannot get supply contracts with Michelin, Bridgestone or Goodyear - probably the smaller ones or the new ones."