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

To keep pace with the rising demand across mining, quarrying, heavy-duty and underground mining applications, as well as for dumpers, graders and loaders, which new OTR tyres and technologies has BKT introduced in the last two years?
The demand for high-performance OTR tyres has grown significantly as mining, quarrying, construction, and material handling operations become larger and increasingly productivity driven. We have responded by strengthening our portfolio with application-specific tyre solutions engineered to deliver superior durability, stability, and operational efficiency across demanding environments. We have continued to expand our portfolio with solutions engineered for loaders, articulated dump trucks, and rigid haul trucks operating under intensive load conditions, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-performance tyres for demanding mining applications. BKT’s All Steel Radial mining portfolio extends up to 57-inch tyres, with 63-inch tyres currently under development, reflecting our commitment to supporting the next generation of heavy mining equipment. Alongside this, we are preparing for the industry’s transition towards electrification through the introduction of e-ready tyres and new sizes featuring reduced rolling resistance, helping customers improve efficiency while meeting the evolving requirements of electric mining and construction equipment. At BKT, innovation is driven by a simple philosophy: developing the right tyre for the right application. By combining advanced engineering, continuous R&D, and close collaboration with OEMs and customers, we continue to deliver solutions that maximise productivity, reliability, and long-term value across the mining and construction sectors.

Tyre downtime can directly affect the productivity of mining and quarrying operations. What technologies and design innovations is BKT deploying to extend tyre life, minimise downtime and improve the total cost of ownership for fleet operators?
In mining and quarrying, tyre performance has a direct impact on equipment availability, project timelines, and overall operating costs. At BKT, our engineering philosophy is centred on maximising tyre life while helping customers reduce downtime and optimise the total cost of ownership throughout the tyre lifecycle. Every BKT tyre is engineered with a deep understanding of the application it is designed for. Our tyres combine high load-bearing capability with advanced construction technology, optimised tread patterns, and specially developed rubber compounds that improve cut resistance, traction, heat dissipation, and wear performance under demanding operating conditions, which enables equipment to operate more efficiently. At BKT, we also provide strong on-site service support to ensure tyres deliver optimum performance throughout their lifecycle. Our commitment to proper after-sales assistance helps customers maximize product utilization, reduce downtime, and achieve significant cost savings.

The shift from bias to radial tyres is an important trend in the OTR segment. How is radialisation progressing in India’s mining and construction sectors, and what is driving customers to make this transition?
As projects become more demanding, fleet operators are increasingly looking beyond initial acquisition costs and focusing on lifecycle value, equipment productivity, and overall operating efficiency.  Radial tyres offer several performance advantages including lower rolling resistance, improved fuel efficiency, longer tread life, superior heat dissipation, and better traction. At BKT, we have been at the forefront of this transition through our All-Steel Radial portfolio, which has been specifically developed for demanding mining, quarrying, earthmoving, and infrastructure applications. Our tyres are engineered to deliver the structural strength required for heavy loads while providing the performance benefits of radial construction across diverse operating environments. With our continuous investment in R&D, and application-specific engineering expertise, BKT is well positioned to support the evolving needs of customers across the Off-Highway sector.

How is BKT using tyre engineering, advanced compounds and tread design to improve cut resistance, traction and wear performance in India’s increasingly demanding mining and quarrying environments?
Mining and quarrying environments present some of the toughest operating conditions. At BKT, our engineering approach is centred on developing application-specific tyres that deliver the durability, traction, and reliability required for these demanding environments. Our R&D teams continuously develop advanced rubber compounds designed to improve resistance to cuts, abrasion, and heat build-up, helping tyres withstand the rigours of mining and quarrying operations. At the same time, our tread patterns are engineered to optimise traction, stability, and wear distribution based on the specific machine, terrain, and application, ensuring consistent performance across diverse operating conditions. Guided by our ‘Growing Together’ philosophy, we work closely with OEMs, distributors, dealers, and fleet operators to co-create solutions that address real-world operating challenges. These field insights directly influence the development of our application-specific portfolio of over 3,600 SKUs to meet evolving customer requirements. By combining advanced engineering, continuous R&D, and extensive field validation, BKT delivers tyre solutions that improve equipment productivity, reduce maintenance requirements, and help fleet operators achieve a lower total cost of ownership.

With concerns around the long-term availability of natural rubber. How is BKT addressing this challenge, and what steps are you taking to reduce dependence on natural rubber and develop more sustainable tyre solutions?
Sustainability is a key pillar of BKT’s long-term growth strategy, and we recognise that ensuring the responsible use of raw materials is critical to the future of the tyre industry. In FY 2024–25, 32% of the raw materials used in our manufacturing process were renewable, reflecting the progress we have made towards building a more sustainable product portfolio. Our commitment extends beyond material innovation. Through our vertically integrated manufacturing model, we have established our own carbon black manufacturing facility at our flagship Bhuj plant, strengthening supply chain resilience while improving operational efficiency. The facility operates as a zero-liquid-discharge plant, supported by initiatives including reclaimed rubber, recycled steel, and reused feedstock that reinforce our commitment to circular manufacturing. These initiatives demonstrate how BKT is integrating sustainability into every stage of manufacturing while continuing to deliver the quality, performance, and reliability our customers expect.

Looking ahead, as mining and construction equipment becomes increasingly electrified, how is BKT preparing for evolving OTR tyre requirements? Will heavier battery packs, higher vehicle weight and increased torque require new tyre designs or technologies?
As equipment becomes increasingly electrified, tyre design must evolve to accommodate the changing operating dynamics without compromising durability or efficiency. At BKT, we view this as a natural progression of our innovation journey. Our focus is on developing future-ready tyre solutions that strike the right balance between strength, stability, energy efficiency, and productivity across diverse applications. We are continuously evaluating emerging technologies, engaging with OEMs, and studying changing equipment requirements to ensure our products evolve alongside the industry. Our objective remains unchanged, to deliver reliable, application-specific tyre solutions that help customers maximise equipment performance today while remaining prepared for the mobility needs of tomorrow.