Interview: Viren Rodrigues, Head of Mining & Agri Business, BKT

Every mine behaves differently, even within a 10-kilometre radius, so our tyre recommendations are always tailored to the specific needs of each site.

What are the major tyre models BKT has showcased at IME 2025?
At IME 2025, BKT is proud to present a powerful lineup of its advanced EARTHMAX range, engineered specifically for the demanding needs of both surface and underground mining. We showcased our BKT EARTHMAX SR468 E-4 – with RDT, which is an All-Steel radial tyre specially designed for rigid haul trucks. Its unique tread design with special tread compounds makes it perfect for hard, rocky and tough mining conditions. Its tread lug blocks with circumferential grooves and intertwined blocks ensures effective heat dissipation. Also, the sturdy square shoulder assist in ejecting loose stones to protect the tyre from injury. EARTHMAX SR 468 is developed using BKT’s cutting-edge technology to carry heavy loads, deliver longer service life and provide resistance to rock cuts and punctures.
The BKT EARTHMAX SR34 E-3 is an All Steel radial tyre specially engineered and designed for rigid dump trucks working in several operations like mining, quarry, logging and haulage. The non-directional block tread pattern provides excellent traction and stability on any type of terrain. EARTHMAX SR 34 is ideal for handling heavy loads. The strong All Steel casing features excellent wear and resistance to any snag and punctures. Its reinforced bead and the shoulder design contribute to an extended tire life-cycle even under the most heavy-duty service conditions.
We have also displayed EARTHMAX SR 53 which is an All Steel radial tire specially designed for loaders, dozers operating in severe rocky conditions, including underground operations and scrap yards. The deep L-5 tread and the cut-resistant compound provide an extended wear life in addition to excellent traction and stability. Our current range covers tyres for rigid dump trucks all the way up to large mining trucks. These exhibits collectively showcase BKT’s engineering excellence and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the mining sector.

Mining operations are among the most demanding and challenging environments. How does BKT ensure safety, durability, and productivity for its tyres in such conditions?
Before we recommend any tyre to a customer, we begin with a thorough study of the mining site and its operating conditions. Our sales and service team visits the location to evaluate crucial parameters such as haul distance, load cycles, vehicle speed, temperature, weather, terrain, mine depth, and gradient. Every mine behaves differently, even within a 10-kilometre radius, so our tyre recommendations are always tailored to the specific needs of each site. We take a careful, step-by-step approach: the selected tyres are first tested on a few dumpers, and only after confirming their performance and safety do we move into regular supply. For better safety and productivity, we strongly advocate the use of radial tyres. They deliver several advantages: smoother ride comfort for operators, improved fuel efficiency, higher durability, increased puncture resistance, and lower heat generation. As the market steadily shifts toward radials, BKT is proud to be India’s only manufacturer of all-steel radial tyres for mining dump trucks, reinforcing our commitment to quality, innovation, and the evolving needs of the industry.

Sustainability has become a key focus across industries. What initiatives has BKT undertaken to enhance environmental responsibility and ensure sustainable manufacturing?
BKT has made strong, future-ready investments to ensure sustainable and responsible growth. Our plants are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, aligned with energy and water conservation at the core and we support circularity and upward integration manufacturing through in-house mould production and carbon black manufacturing. Sustainability begins right at the source every raw material batch is thoroughly tested, and our fully digital mixing process ensures precise formulations, consistency, and minimal waste. This approach reflects BKT’s wider product philosophy: creating reliable, high-performance tyres through innovation, precision, and responsibility. With over 3,600 SKUs across agriculture, construction, industrial, earthmoving, and ATV, each tyre is designed to deliver performance while supporting environmental stewardship. Our high degree of vertical integration, from carbon black and moulds to advanced R&D, allows us to innovate faster and meet sustainability in our operations. In FY 2024–25, 32% of our raw materials were renewable, and our plants recycled/reused over 98% of process waste steadily increasing renewable energy use.  At BKT, sustainability guides the entire tyre lifecycle, from sourcing and production to usage and disposal, ensuring that our products deliver long-term value to our partners and customers.

Given the diverse and demanding conditions across mining sites, does BKT collaborate with major mining companies to develop customised tyre solutions tailored to their specific operational needs?
All of our tyres are developed entirely in-house by BKT’s R&D team, as we do not rely on any external consultants. Our process begins with an in-depth study of each mine’s unique operating conditions. As no two sites are alike, we customise every product to match its specific demands. For instance, in high-temperature mines, we offer heat-resistant compound tyres, while in sites with rough or abrasive terrain, we supply cut-resistant tyres. We have different tyre patterns like rocky traction to suite the site conditions. We are very agile in responding to market needs, every year we introduce close to 100 new tyre types. With more than 3,600 SKUs across agriculture, industrial, construction, and mining segments, our strength lies in delivering complete, tailor-made tyre solutions suited to each site’s load, speed, and environmental demands.

What key trends do you see shaping the demand for mining tyres in India?
Mining in India is experiencing robust growth, fuelled by rapid infrastructure development. This surge naturally accelerates the need for heavy machinery, and the tyres that keep these machines moving. Recognising this momentum, BKT has made significant investments in mining tyres to support India’s progress under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. BKT provides high-performance tyres, strong after sales support, complete product range with faster availability all these factors reducing overall operational costs. Our mining portfolio spans the full spectrum of open-cast and underground equipment, from large dump trucks and loaders to LHDs and LPDTs. BKT is firmly positioned to power India’s expanding mining landscape and contribute to sustainable, self-reliant growth.