Happy New Year from Buy Big Tires!

We’d like to wish all of our customers, website visitors and suppliers a happy new year. We hope you all have had a great and prosperous 2015 and we wish you all a wonderful 2016. We look forward to providing you great customer service and high quality OTR tires at fantastic prices again next year!

In observance of the New Year's holiday, we will be closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Our offices will be open on Monday, January 4th. If you need to finish conducting any business with us before the New Year's holiday, please call our office number before the end of the day.

Happy New Year!

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U.S. Mining Industry: Oregon's Mining Industry, Then and Now

Oregon's mining tradition stretches all the way back to the 1850s, when prospectors first discovered gold in what was then the Oregon Territory. Throughout subsequent decades, other minerals were mined, and one-man operations gave way to large-scale mining operations such as the Mother Lode.

Travelers along the Oregon Trail bound for the Willamette Valley are said to have discovered gold in northeastern Oregon in 1845, but mining in earnest did not begin until 1861. (Wikipedia)

By 1920, the workings in this area, including the Mother Lode Mine, had produced more than $78,000 worth of gold and silver. In the mid-1920s high-grade copper ores were discovered and developed by the Oregon Copper Company, which consolidated the Mother Lode Mine with several other workings in the area (Mining Artifacts).

Although it helped to jump start the great Western gold rush, Oregon is currently only eleventh in the nation for gold production, clocking in just ahead of Washington and New Mexico. Running an eye down the list of one hundred and thirty-nine mines currently active in Oregon reveals a diversity of commodities, including lime, crushed stone, perlite, cement, clay, shale, gravel, gemstones, pumice, and so forth.

As in most states, Oregon's mining industry is still working to recover from the after-effects of the national recession. Although many industries have already recovered from the post-recession lows, Oregon's mining industry has yet to do so.

Here at Buy Big Tires, we enjoy highlighting different aspects of the U.S. mining industry, fully aware that our country owes much of its development to the mining industry's direct influence. Not only did various gold rushes push settlers West and give the territories enough residents to apply for statehood, but the mining industry's continued presence in those same regions continued to supply jobs, stability, and commerce to those same regions down through history.

Remember that we carry a full supply of OTR tires for all of your mining, farming, and industrial needs. Feel free to contact us for the best deals.

Image credit: BigFishGames.com. You know I just couldn't resist the Oregon Trail connection!

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Merry Christmas from Buy Big Tires!

We'd like to wish all of our customers, website visitors and suppliers a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas holiday with your family and friends.

In observance of Christmas, we will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Our offices will be open on Monday, December 28th. If you need to finish conducting any business with us before Christmas, please call our office number before the end of the day.

Merry Christmas!

Image credit: Pixabay

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Recent Political Developments Impact Brazilian Mining Industry

Early in December, after much political wrangling, Brazil's government finally opened impeachment proceedings against President Dilma Rousseff. In wake of recent revelations regarding fraudulent financing and other policymaking disasters, this move hardly comes as a surprise. While Rousseff's political opponents claim her actions have made such a step inevitable, the Economist points out that an impeachment is the last thing Brazil actually needs.

With a vast corruption scandal in full swing, an economy in free fall, public finances in tatters—and a self-serving political class in no mood to tackle any of it—the country has now been served up a constitutional crisis. (Economist)

Of course, all of the turmoil isn't doing any of the nation's industries any favors--including the mining industry. Brazil's economy is predicted to shrink by a total of 2.8% by the end of 2015, with another 1% predicted for 2016. This would be the first time the country has experienced two years of back-to-back recession since the 1930s.

[The] Brazilian economy needs structural reform, in the form of tax and political reforms, to address its fiscal imbalances. In a democratic framework, this can only be achieved through political consensus, which, as things stand currently, is lacking in Brazil right now (Investopedia)

With the sort of political shenanigans occupying Brazil's higher-ups just now, it doesn't seem likely that the necessary public policy issues will be tackled any time soon. We hope, however, that the turmoil soon passes, and that the country can soon haul itself up by its own democratic bootstraps.

Do you have thoughts, concerns, or predictions regarding how Brazil's volatile political situation could impact the mining industry both inside and outside its borders? Feel free to share in the comment section.

As always, remember that we carry a full line of OTR tires for all of your mining, farming, and other big-rig needs. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Image credit: "Dilma Rousseff - foto oficial 2011-01-09" by Roberto Stuckert Filho/Presidência da República - Agência Brasil. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 br via Commons

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Find the Right Loader Tires for Your Operation

Loader tires are one of the key elements of just about any open-pit mining operation. And possibly one of the easiest to overlook. The ability to move overburden from place to place is a focus of most any operation, but loaders are also crucial in building infrastructure as you go deeper into the earth. Front end loaders aid in building roads for haul trucks and do most of the heavy lifting for your mining operations. Since wheel loaders are used in almost all aspects of open-pit mining, the tires that keep them rolling are going to wear out faster. Proper maintenance and care is necessary to keep your loaders working around the clock. With better tires, suitable to the needs of your terrain, a loader can work longer hours and continued shifts without blowouts or breakdowns, through mud, rocks, heat, cold, or anything else the pit can throw at you.

In the event of tire damage, depending on the quality of the tires you are equipping your loaders with, this can make a mechanic's day, or ruin it. Better tires can limit the severity of damage caused by tire failure, so you are looking at only a few hours offline to replace a tire, as opposed to days, or even weeks, to order and replace other parts that could have been salvaged with a better quality product.

The role of a front end loader is possibly one of the most varied in any mining operation. A loader operator wears many hats. From building and extraction to reclamation and finer details of landscaping on a large scale. You hire the best to do a job, so why not give them the tools they need to get the job done?

Contact us for your loader tire needs today. Our experienced staff can help you select the right tire for your specific loader and the terrain it is operating on.

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Recent Catastrophe in Brazil Highlights Need for Increased Safety Protocols in the Global Mining Industry

The Brazilian mining industry has been facing recent concerns that their overall safety protocols are not up to international standards. These concerns follow hard on the heels of a major mining disaster.

In early November, a dam collapse at the Samarco iron ore mine in the village of Paracatu de Baixo left 8-9 people dead, 19-21 missing, and hundreds of local residents inconvenienced or displaced by the massive mudslide that buried their village.

According to the Vancouver Sun, this catastrophe, seen in light of the recent Mount Polley mine failure in Canada, increases concerns that unless changes are made, mining failures will continue to increase.

A research report by the U.S.-based Center for Science in Public Participation and Bowker Associates released this summer concluded the global rate of serious tailings dam failures was increasing. According to their report, 33 of 67 serious tailings dam failures in the last 70 years took place in the past 20 years.

Amidst calls for changes to safety protocols, however, Brazilian locals are careful to point out that since 80% of their local revenue is generated through the mine, they have no desire to see the mine close.

Herein lies the tightrope that mine officials and legislators must walk as they navigate potential changes made in wake of the disaster. Although everyone's desire is to see the work continue, they do not want to rush to make changes that could mean job losses for the men, women, and families who rely on the mine for their livelihood.

Of course, this situation plays out around the world in the wake of any mining disaster. It's our hope to see positive outcomes in the wake of tragedy.

Have an opinion about potential changes to global safety standards in mining? Be sure to chime in via the comments.

Remember that we carry a full line of OTR tires for all your mining needs. We routinely ship OTR tires to mines throughout Brazil and the rest of South America. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

Image credit: The Guardian

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Temperatures and Tire Pressure: An Important Annual Tire Consideration

PressurePro TPMS on Rigid Haul Truck

Whether you operate a truck that runs on a standard set of tires or you're responsible for heavy equipment that operates on truly big tires, the onset of winter brings around an annual tire consideration: the relationship between tire pressure and air temperature.

During the dreaded Polar Vortex of 2014, men and women across North America noticed their tire pressure warning lights flicking on with increased regularity. That's because as ambient air temperatures drop, a tire's PSI will drop as well.

There's actually a clear scientific explanation for this phenomenon.

...a given volume of air will expand or contract as its temperature increases or decreases. In truck tire terms, for every 10-degree change in air temperature, tire inflation pressure will change by 1-2 psi (up with higher temperatures and down with lower). (Trucking Info)

Because we know our readers are well-trained professionals already well-accustomed to handling the variations of the seasons, we know that this news will not come as a surprise to many of you. We just seek to remind you to take extra care during the winter months in order to ensure optimum personal safety and increased tire life.

Drivers of long-haul trucks are likewise encouraged to take special care, since driving on low tire pressure will not only negatively affect gas mileage while simultaneously increasing tire wear; but driving on under-inflated tires could also lead to increased friction resulting in a blowout.

Don't forget that we also carry PressurePro's Tire Pressure Monitor System and can help you get it installed on your heavy equipment and next set of OTR tires. A TPMS system provides real-time tire pressure and tire temperature data to the heavy equipment operator.

No matter the season, remember that we carry a full range of OTR tires for all of your farming, trucking, and mining needs. Please feel free to contact us for the best deals.

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OTR Tire Roundup: Recent News Snippets from Around the Web

Interested in keeping your finger to the pulse of OTR tires? You've come to the right place. As we move from fall to winter and 2015 comes toward an end, we thought it would be a good time to comb the web in search of the most recent developments in the world of OTR tires. For your convenience, we've condensed them but still supplied handy links in case you desire more information. Enjoy.

Recent Tire News Snippets from Around the Web:

• High Altitude Climber to Speak at TIA OTR Conference - Thirty-three year climbing veteran Jim Davidson (pictured above) will speak at the Tire Industry Association’s 2016 OTR Conference in February of 2016. The conference is sponsored by BKT Tires and will take place in San Diego, California.
• Vietnam Tire Market to Reach $2.7 Billion by 2020 - Recent in-country developments such as rising automobile sales and favorable government policies have made rapid growth of Vietnam's tire industry possible. These developments have also been aided by the automotive boom across Southeast Asia.
• Titan Chief Ready to Pull Trigger on OTR Tariff Play - Although a careful read of the post allows us to understand that author Jim Smith is only spit-balling ideas, he does have some interesting facts to shore up his belief that Titan International chief Morry Taylor will petition the Commerce Department regarding imported tires. Perhaps by the time this article posts, he will already have done so. Then again, perhaps not. The whole article is conjecture, but since it's conjecture based on logical argument supported by facts, we found it interesting.
• Doublestar Setting up Kazakhstan JV Tire Plant - Here's some hopeful news: China's Qingdao Doublestar Tire Corporation has set up a joint venture truck and OTR tire plant in Oskemen, Kazakhstan, setting it up as their base for serving former Soviet bloc countries. This is quite a boon for Kazakhstan's already-growing economy and will benefit mining industries in surrounding countries as well.

We'd love to hear your side of the conversation. Be sure to sound off in the comments below with your opinions regarding these developments.

As always, remember that we carry a full line of OTR tires for all your mining needs. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the OTR tires we carry.

Image credit: Twitter.com

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It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Skid Marks: Driving Big Rigs in Ice and Snow

As November gives way to December, many of our readers will begin to face tough winter driving conditions. Because accidents are more likely to occur under such conditions, it's always a good idea for drivers of big rigs and heavy equipment to review safety protocols and ensure that they're current on winter driving protocols.

Physical Preparation

Your first step is to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions. Not all steps will apply for every vehicle, of course, but systems such as fluids, brakes, and tires should be checked and winterized accordingly. In addition, drivers should stock up on any winter supplies they might need: jumper cables, blankets, high-calorie (non-perishable) snacks, flashlights, road flares, and other items that would be helpful if the driver became stranded in his vehicle during a storm.

Mental Preparation

Before operating any vehicle in winter conditions, the driver must undergo a mental shift to influence instinctive driving habits: cruise control must be abandoned, driving distances must be increased between vehicles, and the way that drivers use brakes must shift in order to keep from skidding out on ice. (For more information on proper defensive driving in icy weather, please consult AAA's "How to Go in Ice and Snow.")

Although these guidelines hold true for any types of vehicles, the drivers of big rigs and heavy equipment must take even more care. Their sheer size and mass can easily lead to large-scale catastrophe if caution is not exercised.

Are there any tips that we missed? Do you have a harrowing winter driving story to share? Feel free to sound off in the comment section.

If you're in the market for heavy equipment tires, don't forget to check out our full line. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns that you might have.

Image credit: "Hwy 11 Ontario Winter" by P199 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons

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OTR Tire Deals for December 2, 2015

It's been a little while since we've offered you a great deal on some great OTR tires. We are sorry to have kept you waiting so long, but don't worry with these prices, it was worth the wait!

• 4pc - 29.5R25 Bridgestone VMT 1* - $4,400.00 (pictured)
• 4pc - 29.5R25 Michelin XADN+ - $5,300.00
• 6pc - 2400R35 Bridgestone VRQP - $8,350.00
• 6pc - 2400R35 Michelin XDTB - $7,450.00
• 12pc - 24.00R35 Michelin X-Traction - $7,400.00
• 8pc - 9.00R20 Michelin X-Mine - $1,600.00
• 4pc - 280-80R20 Michelin XMCL - $600.00
• 8pc - 12.00R24 Michelin X-Mine - $2,750.00
• 6pc - 26.5R25 Titan STL3 - $2,650.00
• 2pc - 35-65R33 Bridgestone VSDL 1* - $8,750.00

Prices are per tire USD, and are plus freight. Please contact us to secure the tires you want. We can also provide you with a freight quote.

If you would like to get OTR tire deals like this delivered to your email inbox, then subscribe to our OTR Tire Deals & Specials email list.

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Happy Thanksgiving from Buy Big Tires

We would like to wish all our U.S. customers, suppliers and partners a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are very thankful to have such great customers in the U.S. and abroad. We hope everyone has safe travels and has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.

BuyBigTires.com Thanksgiving Holiday Business Hours

We will be open on Wednesday morning. Our offices will be closed for Thanksgiving starting Wednesday afternoon. We will also be closed on Thursday and Friday. We will reopen on Monday November 30th.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Image credit: 123freevectors.com

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Show Off Your Mining Equipment: Inspire the Next Generation

Those of us who work with big rigs every day often forget that for many people, being around large farming implements and mining equipment is somewhat of a novelty. Many of them have never known what it feels like to see an axle thicker than their own torso or to feel dwarfed by the sheer size of a single OTR tire.

That's why we are always pleased to see community events encouraging the next generation to get up close and personal with the exciting machines that make farming, mining, and other industrial tasks possible.

Take for example the Touch-a-Truck event hosted by Michigan's Sterling Heights community. At this hands-on event, residents could get into the driver's seat of salt trucks, fire engines, front end loaders, rescue trucks, backhoes, and sewer trucks.

According to Doyle, participants will be able to take photos, climb in the vehicles and learn from the men and women who operate the rigs what they do every day.

Who knows what sort of long-term impact early experiences such as these could have on the young people exposed to them? Such exposure is key, because although infrastructure jobs tend to offer more equitable wages when compared to all other national occupations, they tend to be overlooked as viable career options by a large cross-section of the population. According to the Brookings Institution, infrastructure occupations are projected to increase 9.1 percent during the next decade, and that doesn't even count the projected need to replace more than 2.7 million workers who will age out of the workforce.

Clearly, the time to alert our young men and women to these promising and fulfilling careers is now.

Remember that we carry a full supply of OTR tires for all of your big rig needs. Feel free to contact us to ask about our current deals.

Image credit: Manchester City Library on Flickr

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Cat's #DozerPride Campaign Another Big Hit

Last year we took some time to highlight Cat's successful online ad campaign featuring big rigs, big stunts, and big tires. Most of the videos that made up the company's clever "Built For It" campaign went viral, prompting marketing analysts to sit up and take notice.

This year, Cat's back with an all-new tactic, one that we think you'll enjoy just as much as we do.

Just recently, Cat released a music video to accompany their online #DozerPride campaign. In it, two construction workers rap about one of their newest bulldozers, the Cat D6N.

Cat® D6N | Dozer Pride Music Video

If the deadpan delivery doesn't tickle your funny bone, the lyrics definitely will:

I’m pushing dirt, (okay!)

I’m spreading sand, (yeah!)

I’m grading roads, (uh huh!)

I’m clearing land

Ride in my dozer,

Take pride in my dozer,

When my wife is mad

I go and hide in my dozer (what!)

Online jokes abound. Construction Dive hilariously refers to the pair of rapping construction workers as "Notorious D.I.G.," while online commenters react in shock that there's finally a decent rap song about the hard work of an honest man. (We know what they say about not reading the comments under YouTube videos, but don't worry: we read them so that you don't have to.)

Of course, the D6N runs on tracks rather than tires, but that doesn't mean that we love this video any less. In fact, we're probably going to download the ringtone as soon as we finish writing this post.

Have any opinions about Cat's latest viral video marketing campaign? Feel free to sound off in the comments.

Remember that we carry a full supply of OTR tires for all of your big rig needs. Feel free to contact us for the best deals.

Image credit: Cat.com

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Veterans Day - November 11, 2015

All of us at Buy Big Tires would like to give our gratitude and appreciation to those who have served. Your sacrifices are never forgotten. Thank you all for your service.





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Three Recommended Field Trips for U.S. Mining History Buffs

If you're as into U.S. mining industry history as we are (or if you are a school teacher or a homeschool parent), then you'll find this list of recommended field trips quite helpful.

Three Recommended Field Trips for U.S. Mining History Buffs:

Recommendation 1 - The Mollie Kathleen in Cripple Creek, Colorado

Descend a 1,000-foot vertical shaft while experiencing all the sights and sounds of air-powered mining equipment, including tuggers, slushers, stoper drills, drifter drills, and an 1890s steam hoist. Currently closed for renovations but re-opening in the spring of 2016, this one-of-a-kind experience includes a sample gold specimen taken from the Mollie Kathleen, a fact that's sure to be a hit for kids of all ages.

Recommendation 2 - Hangtown's Goldbug Park & Mine in Placerville, California

If you find yourself smack in the center of El Dorado country, try exploring the Goldbug hardrock mine with your family and friends. After touring the mine, you have the option of stopping by the Hendy Stamp Mill, the Blacksmith Shop, or the historic Meagher House before trying your hand at gem panning.

Recommendation 3 - Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, New Jersey

This former working zinc mine is now an interactive museum focusing on geologic and mineral education. The glow-in-the-dark fluorescent minerals that can be seen during the underground mining tours are a special highlight. Above ground, the museum has amassed quite a collection of mining machinery.

Speaking of mining machinery, don't forget that we carry a full supply of OTR tires for all of your mining equipment needs. If you have questions about the brands we carry, or if you'd like to discuss building a partnership, don't hesitate to contact us.

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Drones the Future of the U.S. Mining Industry?

Two years ago, when online retailing giant Amazon announced that it would begin delivering purchases via drones, a media frenzy ensued. Now, Amazon is only one of many companies using drones this way. Given the rapid rate of technological advancement, we are no longer surprised when we hear of companies using drones to save time, money, and energy costs. There seems to be some indication that the U.S. mining industry will soon jump on the drone bandwagon.

According to Tech.Co, drones are fast becoming the go-to choice for dull, dirty, or dangerous manual labor. Their use not only saves time (since drones can fly over obstacles and arrive on-site more quickly as a result) but also minimizes risk to their operators, who can control them and make assessments from the safety of a control room.

Because of the rapid rate of the expansion of drone use, the FAA has been behind the curve when it comes to developing regulations. Because of this, companies using drones to save their workers from their more dangerous tasks may soon be sent back to the drawing board as government regulations catch up with current practice.

Mining and drilling are both highly regulated industries in the U.S., but in this case it’s not an energy regulator but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that is trying to figure out how best to allow companies like BP and Barrick Gold, the world’s biggest gold mining concern, to deploy drones on US soil (The Guardian).

As we keep our eye on this developing story, we are interested to see where drone use takes the U.S. mining industry. We fully support any decision that ensures the safety and security of our hard-working mining friends, and we look forward to seeing healthy cooperation between mining officials and oversight committees.

Remember that we carry a full supply of OTR tires for all of your mining needs. Please feel free to contact us for a list of our current deals.

Image credit: "Interspect UAS B 3.1" by Bakó GáborSaját művem. Mind az eszköz készítésében részt vettem, mind a fényképet én készítettem. - Bakó Gábor. Licensed under CC0 via Commons

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OTR Tires: A Fall News Roundup

David Ganz
Image via TireBusiness.com

Fall was a busy season in the world of OTR tires, and if you were too busy drinking pumpkin spice coffee and knitting new scarves to keep up with the news, that's okay. We've gathered some of the best bits together in one place for you.

OTR Tires: A Fall News Roundup

• "Galaxy Tire Founder David Ganz Dies" - The founder of the Galaxy Tire brand died on October 21 in his home in Belmont, Massachusetts. In addition to launching Galaxy's successful off-road and agricultural tire lines, he was a pilot, a dedicated community leader, and an activist. It sounds as if Ganz made the same type of mark in the outside world that he did in the world of OTR tires.
• "Continental Prepares OTR Tire Line" - Mid-Autumn, leaders at the German company Continental announced that they are preparing to roll out a new range of OTR tires before the end of 2015. Fulfilling an initiative announced in 2012, this move will broaden Continental's tire portfolio and expand their presence worldwide. It will be interesting to see how their tires stack up against competitors, and how they will sell with current market conditions of low demand and high supply.
• "OTR a Real Mixed Bag" - According to Tire Review, although mining and construction numbers are up, the crowded market ensures a mixed bag when it comes to quality. They recommend that you only work with a supplier that adheres to the following descriptions:

Has the technology to make a quality product with a commitment to R&D to innovate for the future

Stands behind their product, either with performance guarantees or quick resolution of warranty claims

Is committed to working with you to offer solutions to your customers, not just price.

Has technical support on the ground to help with training, applications and field problems.

Is committed to your success and to your independence.

We're happy to report that all of the suppliers we distribute adhere to these principles. If you're in the market for new OTR tires, remember that we carry a full line to meet all of your needs. Feel free to contact us for the best deals.

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Connecticut's Surprising Spot in U.S. Mining Industry's History

When we talk today of the U.S. mining industry, few of us would think to mention Connecticut. The fact remains, however, that the New England state holds an interesting place in mining history.

Connecticut's complex geologic past provided our forefathers with a substantial mineral legacy. Significant iron ore deposits, copper ore, garnets, marble, limestone, basalt and brownstone all provide or have provided for profitable mining operations in our state at one time or another (Connecticut Antique Machinery Association).

As more significant deposits of iron, copper, and other minerals were discovered in the West during the country's expansion, however, Connecticut neglected the mining of most natural resources, with one exception: pegmatite.

First mined in Connecticut in 1825, pegmatite is the source of several minerals still considered important today: feldspar, quartz, and mica. Used in electronics, these minerals are no longer mined primarily in Connecticut, and residents seeking to view pegmatite would be best served in looking for samples in museums and the homes of mineral collectors. In addition, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection owns several abandoned pegmatite quarries and allows mineral clubs access for collecting on a limited basis.

Connecticut was never considered a significant contributor of gold, but the state does contain small amounts of placer gold. Reports from prospectors in Connecticut show that panning for several hours might produce a few flakes of color; gold acquisition in the state amounts to little more than a hobby.

Although Connecticut is no longer considered a primary mining state, its past does demonstrate an interesting place in U.S. mining history. No matter where you happen to work, remember that we carry a full supply of OTR tires for all of your mining needs. Please feel free to contact us for the best deals.

Image credits:
"Flag of Connecticut" by Jean-Pierre Demailly, xrmap authors, Commons users (SVG) - from the xrmap flags collection, version 2.7. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons
Mining Museum Blasting Exhibit at CTAmachinery.com

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Brazilian Mining Downturn Not a True Reflection of the Industry

The primary source of Brazil's economic woes?

It's been a tough year for the Brazilian mining industry; however, that's not entirely their fault. Other factors have been at work. For one thing, the downturn is related in some part to the country's overall industrial downturn. Inflation, rising interest rates, and government spending cuts have worked together to weaken consumer demand.

Because everything rises and falls on leadership, Brazilians have no one to thank but their leaders. We use that term leader quite loosely in this instance. The country's president faced impeachment at the beginning of October; however, her accusers hardly fell on the side of righteousness:

The real tragedy is that in this political drama those involved are almost all villains. Within the PSDB (Social Democratic party), which narrowly lost the elections to the PT (Workers’ party) in 2014, every political hopeful is in search of a strategy to guarantee a seat in government, putting their personal ambitions above the interests of the country (The Guardian).

With such shenanigans taking place at the highest levels, is it any wonder that the country's industries are suffering?

Many have directly blamed the government for Brazil's steadily sinking GDP, claiming that the recent mining downturn is more a political problem than an industrial one. We tend to agree with this assessment.

Since we routinely ship tires to mines in both North and South America, we have a vested interest in seeing things turn around; but that's not our greatest concern. We stand with the hard-working men and women of the mining industry. We wish our Brazilian brothers and sisters the best of luck in the days to come.

If you have any questions or comments, or if you would like to hear about our latest deals, don't hesitate to contact us.

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Positive News for Beleaguered Australian Mining Industry

Amidst continued worrying reports from the much-beleaguered Australian mining industry come a few rays of sunshine.

Positive News for Beleaguered Australian Mining Industry:

First, Market Watch reports that Australia leads the iron ore mining market in recently released projections.

The Global Iron Ore Mining Market to 2020 research report says worldwide iron ore reserves were 190 billion tonnes (Bnt) as of January 2015, with Australia accounting for the largest share at 53Bnt or 27.9% of the total.

In these reports, Australia edges out other heavy hitters Brazil, Russia, China, and India to claim the top spot. Let's hope for the sake of Australian miners that the global economy picks up again soon so they can mine those reserves..

Second, Australian miners have hopes that their new prime minister Malcolm Turnbull will kickstart reforms to revive the sector. Although the changes are not unopposed, the prime minister's strong history of economic reform success has many excited about the possibilities.

Third, one silver lining of the decade-long downturn has been its effectiveness in leading recent graduates from university to diversify their skills base. Although many of these enhanced training programs have been put into place to prevent the loss of skilled and highly-trained individuals during a time of crisis, they've still served to form a more well-rounded and informed group of laborers in the end.

When the industry does turn around eventually, the sector will find itself more equipped than ever before to handle the work load. As we keep our eye on Australia's situation, we look forward to bringing you more positive news in the days to come.

Remember that we carry a full stock of OTR tires for all of your mining needs--whether at home or abroad. Please feel free to contact us with questions or to hear about our most current deals.

Image credit: "Rays of Sunshine" by Gnumarcoo - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Hitachi, Cat, and Terex: The Big Three of the Rigid Haul Truck Scene

When it comes to articulated and rigid haul trucks, three big names spring immediately to mind: Hitachi, Caterpillar, and Terex. All three have made a name for themselves through their product lines and are worthy of due consideration.

Hitachi

With five haul truck models currently on the market, Hitachi was proud to announce their newest two in 2015, the EH3500AC-3 and the EH4000AC-3, with 200-ton and 243.6 ton payload, respectively. Both boast increased mobility, productivity, and operability, as well as increased safety features. Bigger and safer: a killer combo.

Caterpillar

Cat has a long and proud history of producing quality mining equipment, including many models of articulated and rigid haul trucks. Their latest offering, The Cat 789D Mining Truck, claims to combine high production, availability, and payload to deliver the lowest-in-class cost per ton. We were especially interested to note that the specs include larger tire options for increased tire life (and therefore lower tire costs in the long run).

Terex

With three articulated dump trucks and four rigid haul models currently on offer, Terex can hold its own against Hitachi and Caterpillar. Their truck with the largest maximum payload is currently the TR100, built to face the steepest, deepest, and largest mines and quarries in the world. Best of all, Terex promises that the TR100 has minimum maintenance requirements, making it perfect for use in extreme conditions.

Who you got?

Who makes your favorite articulated dump truck or rigid haul truck? Terex? Caterpillar? Hitachi? Or another brand? Let us know in the comments.

No matter whose trucks you use--one of the big three or another contender--remember that we carry a full line of OTR tires for all of your mining needs. For more information on our current deals, please feel free to contact us.

Image credits (top to bottom): Hitachi Construction, Cat.com, TerexTrucks.com

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Big News in the Tire World: Two Inventions that Have Us Excited

It's come to our attention that there have been some recent developments in the tire world. Not content to keep them to ourselves, we've brought them to you for your advisement and to seek your input. Below you'll find two of the newest developments.

Two Inventions that Have Us Excited:

High-Tech Rubber that Can Heal Itself

According to our friends over at Mental Floss, a German research company may have found the solution to the flat tire problem once and for all. They've hit upon a method that allows rubber to heal itself. A procedure called vulcanization is already used by manufacturers to make tires less rigid and more durable. With the new method, however, vulcanization becomes passé. Durable could soon turn to self-healing. Check out the video below to see a demonstration of the self healing rubber.

By applying a carbon and nitrogen additive to commercial rubber, the Dresden-based chemists have created a way to avoid the need for vulcanization so that the rubber can reform bonds when they break.

"Tire Unloader" Provides a More Safe and Efficient Method to Unload Tires

A recent press release alerted us to one California inventor's recent creation: a tire-unloading ramp that simultaneously cuts down the risk of injury while also increasing efficiency. How helpful it will be would depend on the needs of those who would use it, but we have to admit that the set-up sounds interesting.

Tire Unloader would consist of an aesthetic-looking unit producible from aluminum. The unit would measure 32 inches high, 4 feet long and 1 foot wide. The ramp would feature a mud flap on its surface in order to enhance traction, a rubber traction support at the front and back of the base (for stability), and a counter. The user would place the unit in front of a stack of tires so that he or she can roll each tire down the ramp and off the truck.

We're always interested to learn more about what's going on in the world of tires. Be sure to let us know what you think of these two inventions in the comments. Do they sound practical?

If you want to learn about our latest deals, please feel free to contact us.

Image credit: Dennis Wilkinson on Flickr

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Alaska: Still a Major Player in the U.S. Mining Industry

With President Obama's recent visit to the Yukon and Arctic in the beginning of September, all eyes turned north--including ours. If Alaska's raw power and sweeping beauty are not enough to pique your interest, perhaps knowing that Alaska has long been an important player in the U.S. mining industry might give you an added reason to add the state as an item of interest.

Since President Obama became the first sitting U.S. President to visit Arctic Alaska, we thought we would use his trip as an opportunity to highlight some of the regions mining distinctives, perhaps overlooked by those of us in the "Lower 48."

Production

According to the Alaska Miners Association, Alaska has six major producing mines and eight more advanced exploration projects. Together, they're quite productive.

The AMA provides the following production statistics:

• $3 billion in gross mineral production value from Red Dog, Greens Creek, Fort Knox, Pogo, Kensington, Nixon Fork and Usibelli Coal mines, placer mines, and rock, sand, and gravel operations
• More than 300 placer mines produced 85,000 ounces of gold
• $80 million in production value from more than 120 active rock quarries, and sand and gravel operations
• Export value of $2 billion, or 38% of Alaska’s total exports (2011)

Future

The Alaskan mines have not only proven productive in the past, but they also seem to face a bright future. In one of its latest editions, North of 60 Mining News announced that although commodities prices have been in somewhat of a slump, the recent rise in gold prices has already had a positive impact on mines where gold is a primary or secondary commodity, such as Fort Knox, Pogo, Kensington, and Greens Creek mines.

Many states carry a proud mining tradition, and Alaska is no exception. We look forward to seeing more positive developments in the days to come.

Remember that we carry a full stock of OTR tires, and that we routinely ship to mines all over North America--and beyond. Feel free to contact us to ask about our current deals.

Image credit: "Flag of Alaska". Licensed under CC0 via Commons

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Canadian Mining Industry Complicit in Eritrea's Labor Scandal?

Recently, the Canadian mining industry was called out by members of United Nations for taking advantage of conscripted laborers in the small North African country of Eritrea.

Sheila Keetharuth, the UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea who collected the evidence, said in July: “Forced labour was used, especially in the construction phase, for the simple reason that all construction [operations] are done under the government.” (The Guardian)

Since the Eritrean government can force all citizens over the age of eighteen to serve in the government or work for the military, it is not an illogical assumption that some who worked on the project could have been conscripted laborers.

Canadian-owned Nevsun Resources, however, defends its operation at the only operating mine in Eritrea, stating that they do not employ forced laborers. They have released a report conducted by an independent consulting group in which they refute the UN's claims. Furthermore, Todd Romaine, who works as the company's vice president for social responsibility, says that their mine adds value to the ongoing development in Eritrea by stemming unemployment.

We're sure we haven't heard the last of the investigations into whether or not the UN's claims are valid. Whatever the true situation, we look forward to seeing mining sectors developing in smaller countries like Eritrea--especially countries that lack industry and economic development for their people. We only hope that these developments don't come at the cost of the citizens liberty and health.

Remember that we carry a full line of OTR tires for all of your mining needs. We routinely supply mines throughout the African continent and Canada. Please contact us to hear how you can take advantage of our current deals.

Image credit: "Un-eritrea". Licensed under Public Domain via Commons

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News from the World of Loader Tires: Snippets from Around the Web

If you're trying to keep up with news from the world of loader tires, you've come to the right place. We've scoured the internet to glean the most interesting stories and put them here in one place for you, summarizing the most pertinent details for your information.

No need to thank us. It's what we do.

News from the World of Loader Tires: Snippets from Around the Web:

• "New Michelin Loader Tire Beefs Up Productivity in Heavy-Duty Applications" - This new tire demonstrates improved operational efficiency and incorporates new technology in order to form a superior product. According to the director of Michelin's North American Marketing department, "This tire enables operators to maximize their operating time and face their productivity challenges head-on. And longer tire life is better for the environment with fewer raw materials being used and fewer tires to be recycled."
• "Another truck load of tires recycled" - We're always happy to hear about recycling programs including tractor tires and loader tires. A recent drive in Coldwater, Michigan, was able to fill an entire semi-trailer with recyclable tires.
• "Manitex International, Inc. Announces Expansion of ASV Product Line" - This new line of skid steer loaders comes as a joint venture between Manitex International and the Terex Corporation, representing many years of product development. Managers involved in production expect reliability, productivity, and high customer acceptance levels, but only time will tell.

Remember that we carry a full supply of OTR tires for all of your big rig needs. Feel free to contact us at any time with any question that you might have.

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3D Printed Tires: The Future of the Tire Industry?

3D printed tires for prototype model car
via Stratasys Blog

Unless you have been hiding from the internet, chances are high that you have already heard of 3D printing, the system by which raw materials are set down, layer by layer, to build tangible objects. Although many people are aware of the process in theory, they're shaky on the specifics of how it works. This helpful graphic courtesy of T. Rowe Price demonstrates how materials such as plastics, resins, polymers, and even gold and silver are laid down, layer upon layer, in order to form a solid object. As layers form, lasers are used to solidify the substance. It is all very impressive.

Since the inception of 3D printing in the mid-1980s, it has come to be used in many different areas, including the fields of medicine, manufacturing, and transportation.

Within the automotive field specifically, 3D printing has become standard use in the building of prototypes, granting designers greater flexibility for experimentation without increasing their costs. In 2014, both Ford and Local Motors went on the record to state how heavily their design teams now depend on 3D printing during product development.

Although 3D printing is not currently used in automotive production beyond the prototype phase, there is some evidence that 3D printing will soon become a standard solution for the production of hard-to-find, out-of-stock parts or aftermarket items. Here at the Buy Big Tires office, we've been speculating if the 3d printing industry will soon branch out to include 3D printed tires. It sure would be cool when a customer called and asked for any OTR tire big or small, common or rare we could always reply: "we can have that tire printed for you today!"

VIDEO: 3D Printing a Rubber Tire with Flex EcoPLA

The idea of 3D printed tires carries its own set of pros and cons, however.

Pros of 3D printed tires:

• Accessibility. Customers would no longer need to wait for out-of-stock items; they can be printed immediately in-house.
• Affordability. By eliminating the need for the supplier to carry so much money in inventory, 3D printing lowers costs for both suppliers and consumers. What's more, the price would further decrease through reducing labor, equipment, carrying costs, and transport costs. Eventually, new tires may cost the same as used ones do now.
• Convenience. With 3D printers, customers could simply call a few hours ahead and have a new tire printed with almost any tread with any color they desire.
• Specifics. With total control, suppliers can produce a tire as heavy-duty or light as the customer's needs require.

Cons of 3D Printed Tires:

• Initial Expense. The high capital costs of industrial 3D printers could make the shift cost-prohibitive for some businesses.
• Expertise. The difficulty of working with tire materials (primarily rubber and steel) in this new way could require further research and development as well as more advanced 3D printing technology.
• Potential Infringement. Intellectual property rights of individual tires (tire tread designs, etc.) must be taken into consideration. If the manufacturers hold these rights, would individual businesses be required to pay royalties for the right to print their own tires with these tread designs?

Perhaps these aren't so much cons as they are potential hurdles. However, with so many distinct advantages in the offing, doesn't it seem prudent for the tire industry to give 3D printing a shot?

We're curious to hear your feedback on this. Do you see 3D printing as the future of the tire industry? Do you recognize potential advantages and disadvantages that we have failed to mention? Be sure to sound off in the comment section. We'd love to hear from you.

If you have further questions or comments, please feel free to contact us.

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Is the Commodity Rout a Canary in a Coal Mine for Miners?

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO AT OUR SITE

by Bloomberg Video 3:45 mins

Sept. 28 -- Bloomberg Intelligence's Ken Hoffman and Bloomberg's Alix Steel update the latest commodities markets news. They speak with Bloomberg's Scarlet Fu on "Bloomberg Markets."

We wanted to share this video with you to see what your thoughts are on the continued commodity price depression and market capitalization melt downs of major mining firms like Glencore. We've also included some recent news article links about Glencore and their soaring debt load and crashing stock price. Do you think Glencore will still be a going concern twelve months from now? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Glencore slumps 30 percent as debt fears grow - Reuters

Should you fear a ‘Glencore’ moment? - CNBC

Hong Kong-listed shares of the Anglo–Swiss commodity giant crashed 27 percent on Tuesday, on the back of a 29 percent plunge in the company's London-listed shares in the previous session.

Glencore says it is 'operationally and financially robust' - BBC

Image credit: Reuters

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A Busy Summer for Front End Loaders

Longtime readers of our blog know that we like to keep an eye on the behavior of front end loaders, perhaps the most misunderstood members of the heavy-equipment world. After years of involvement in dangerous hijinks, could front end loaders finally manage to revamp their image? Ultimately, only time will tell. For now, all we can do is lay their summer activities before you and let you decide.

Front End Loaders - Never a Dull Moment!

A Busy Summer for Front End Loaders:

First, the bad news. In early August, it was reported that a front end loader from Hampden Township, Pennsylvania, went up in flames at a trash-transfer station. According to Penn Live, crews responding to the blaze were able to put out the fire in about fifteen minutes. Penn Live reporter indicated that the equipment was a front end loader, but the photo accompanying the article clearly shows a Caterpillar track hoe. A curious case indeed!

According to more positive reports, one plucky front end loader from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, assisted first responders in clearing an accident after pulling a woman from a burning van. The Chippewa Herald reports that when police officers and firemen responded to a one-vehicle crash involving a concrete barrier, they quickly dragged the victim out through a smashed window before using a front end loader to clear pieces of concrete, making the highway safe once again for other motorists.

Although these latest installments in the saga of the front end loader continue to be somewhat of a mixed bag, we're encouraged by ongoing evidence that the black sheep of the heavy-equipment family may soon redeem themselves.

When the time comes to replace the tires on your own front end loader, please do think of us. We carry a full line of OTR tires for every front end loader size and application. Please contact us for information on our current deals.

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You can't lose with these OTR tire deals!

These prices are a safe bet.

Putting tires into inventory has seemed like a gamble lately, but you are sure to win with these prices.

6pc 35-65x33 Titan LD250 42ply 4pc 35-65x33 Titan LD250 42ply Smooth that have lugs cut into them Only $6,500.00 each must take all 10 tires. Tires look great, and we are happy to send pictures.

10pc 29.5R25 Michelin XHA2 $4,700.00 each 18pc 29.5R25 Michelin XADN+ $4,950.00 each (pictured right)

If you have any questions please let us know.

If you would like to get notified of these deals before we post them to the site, sign up for our OTR Tire Deals & Specials email newsletter.

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Spotlight on Wyoming: One of the U.S. Mining Industry's Heavy Hitters

It's no secret that Wyoming is one of the U.S. mining industry's heavy hitters, especially when it comes to coal. According to recently-released statistics, Wyoming produced big numbers in 2014, contributing greatly to America's global coal ranking.

The U.S. had the largest proven reserves of coal globally at 237 billion tonnes (Bnt) in 2014, accounting for 26.6% of the global total. Sub-bituminous and lignite accounted for 54.4% or 129Bnt, while the remaining 45.6% or 108Bnt were bituminous coal. The state of Wyoming was the country's largest producing state, followed by West Virginia and Kentucky (Yahoo Finance).

Among all of the mining towns that contributed to Wyoming's success in 2014, perhaps one of the most prominent is Gillette. Home of heavy-hitting mines such as Eagle Butte, Gillette was practically built on the coal industry. In fact, while the coal industry falters in the rest of North America (most notably in West Virginia), Wyoming coal towns like Gillette have emerged largely unscathed.

Some people believe that the situation could soon change, however. With new Clean Power rules in the pipeline passed by the Obama Administration, the coal industry in Wyoming could soon feel the effects. Although Wyoming coal is still going strong as of the time of this writing, we plan to keep a close eye on the situation.

As providers of OTR tires to many coal mines, both in North America and beyond, we like to keep abreast of the current trends and what they could mean for the industry. When the time comes to order new sets of OTR tires for your coal mining equipment, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to working with you.

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Big News about Big Tires

Generally, big tires aren't making headlines. For the most part, they stick to their tasks, quietly fulfilling their roles in the fields, in the mines, and on the job site. Every once in a while, though, they make the papers. When that happens, we sit up and take notice.

Big News about Big Tires

• "Big Tires a Big Deal at Farm Progress Show" - The latest advances in tire technology were on display recently in Decatur, Illinois. Farmers and other show attendees were given "clear, visible and tangible" demonstrations of tire performance. A good time was had by all.
• "Big Horn Redimix Trailer Tires Go Up in Flames" - Early in September, at the intersection of West River Road and Fifteen Mile Road in Worland, Wyoming, the tires of a heavy-duty trailer caught fire. The cause of the fire is unknown, and no one was hurt in the incident.
• "StreamSweepers Find 2,100 Pound Tire in River" - In Orange, Virginia, a team of teens conducting ecological restoration in the Rapidan River unearthed a mammoth tire. Fortunately, the Dominion Virginia Power company was able to send a team of linemen to help pull the tire out of the river. (Our readers are reminded always to dispose of used tires appropriately and safely.)

Because bad news often dominates the headlines, we can't say we're surprised to see that the media attention surrounding big tires comes with a less-than-positive slant. That doesn't change the fact that every day, thousands of men and women step into the cab of an earth-mover or tractor supported by sets of steady, reliable OTR tires. Remember that we carry a full supply of big tires for all of your mining, farming, and other heavy equipment needs. Contact us to hear about our best deals.

Image credit: WTVR.com

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US Mining Industry Takes Strides to Encourage Women in Mining

Mining is an industry which has always been male-dominated, regardless of geographical location. There have been positive steps which have helped to integrate women into the industry, but females continue to be under-represented and mining is still largely a man’s domain (Mining.com)

That could soon change. The percentages of women in the international mining community may be small, but they're growing all the time. The UK branch of Women in Mining now boasts over 1,300 members; while the Canada-based Women in Mining organization has published an action plan detailing how companies can best "create a cultural shift in their organization and boost their overall Gender Intelligence Quotient (GIQ), working to eliminate the unconscious bias between genders and assist with change management within their organizations."

The mining industries in the United States have not been lax in this area either. The Stateside chapter of Women in Mining meets annually to promote education, training, and encouragement for women in mining.

Specific companies have also gotten involved in encouraging women in the US mining industry. For example, Utah-based oil company Sinclair recently hosted an all-women's antelope hunt in Wyoming. The purpose? To support Wyoming's women and families while simultaneously promoting camaraderie and mentorship among women and girls.

“We are so appreciative of Sinclair’s awareness of the many benefits to women working in non-traditional careers or industries,” says Sarah McCance... “Their partnership in our work towards economic self-sufficiency makes them a natural fit to support the antelope hunt” (Ammoland).

We here at BuyBigTires recognize that women have made vital contributions to the international mining industry, and we applaud their hard work. We look forward to seeing their ranks expand in the future.

Remember that we supply OTR tires for all of your mining needs. Please feel free to contact us to ask about our current deals.

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Australian Mining Industry Still Waiting to Bottom Out

It seems odd to talk of hopes for bottoming out, but with the way things have been going lately for the Australian mining industry, hitting rock bottom could be the best news they've had lately. It's no secret that the country's mining industry has been struggling, and as commodity prices continue to slide, the world wonders how far down things will have to go before they start looking up.

The news lately hasn't been hopeful. Mines continue to close; meanwhile, in mines that remain open, safety issues abound, leading to the death of ninety-two Australian mine workers in just seven months.

Not everyone involved in Australian mining is completely pessimistic, however. Speaking in West Australia at a mining conference in early September, WA Premier Colin Barnett predicted that there's no way the mining downturn could get worse. He believes that there's light at the end of the shaft.

“I’m either brave enough or silly enough to suggest that we’ve hit the bottom,” Mr Barnett told the Africa Down Under mining conference. Much of the Australian mining industry is at its lowest point in terms of world competitiveness due to weak commodity prices, though the next 12 months would continue to be a risky period for mining companies, he said. (Perth Now)

Although we are glad to hear someone sounding a bell of hope, we know that an upswing for Australia's mines still remains to be seen. While we would love to know that the industry has truly reached the bottom, until their debt stabilizes, commodity prices rise, and mines reopen, we continue to join our brothers and sisters Down Under in watching and waiting for things to turn around.

Remember that we carry a full supply of OTR tires for all of your mining needs. Please feel free to contact us for the best deals.

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U.S. Coal Mining Industry Facing an Uphill Battle

In regards to coal mining, U.S. mining industry news has made for fairly grim reading lately. Although coal mining is far from a dying industry, there's no denying that many coal mines are facing an uphill battle in the days to come.

First, Reuters reports that the industry will soon face what's known as a "succession crisis," as a huge crop of seasoned veterans in leadership face retirement.

Several mining CEOs have reached or are nearing retirement age and industry executives, recruiters and analysts worry that there is not enough people with the right skills and experience to replace the old guard. (Reuters)

On top of this projected management crisis, the coal mining industry also must grapple with sliding commodity prices and the accompanying job cuts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 5,000 mining jobs were lost in July of 2015 alone, bringing the total loss of jobs in the mining industry to 78,000.

With such grim statistics staring us in the face, it's no wonder that Mining.com dubbed one week of July as "the worst week in years" for the U.S. coal mining industry, citing further stresses. These fresh challenges include competition from inexpensive natural gas, tougher environmental regulations, and a global coal glut that has decidedly brought down prices.

While it's no secret that America's coal mining sector is facing challenges, these challenges are by no means insurmountable. We look forward to seeing how the industry grows, evolves, and adapts to meet changes in the days ahead.

Remember that we carry a full stock of OTR tires for all of your mining needs, whether you are in the United States or abroad. Please feel free to contact us for the best deals.

Image credit: "Strip coal mining" by Stephen Codrington. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Commons

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Are Things Looking Up for the Mexican Mining Industry?

One ounce silver Mexican Libertad

Although several of our recent stories regarding the Mexican mining industry have centered on some of the challenges (dealing with drug cartels one of the main ones), we are happy to report that more recent news coming from South of the Border skews toward the positive.

First, the summer saw an uptick in Mexico's industrial production across the board, with mining expanding by 1.1% and oil and gas extraction rising by 1.2%. Better still, June marked its second monthly expansion in a row.

Second, initial explorations at the Potosi silver mine in Santa Eulalia, Mexico, yielded positive results. These results have encouraged the mine to move forward with expansion plans.

Mr. Alain Lambert, Chairman and C.E.O. of Cyprium stated: "The results of this initial phase of exploration are consistent with expectations. These results will help our technical team design a more comprehensive exploration program..." (Your Industry News)

Third, Mining Global reports that with Latin America "poised to be a hot spot for mining exploration and investment at a global level" over the next six years, the market for mining equipment in the region will expand as a result. According to their reports, "the global mining equipment market will grow at a moderate CAGR of 8.6 percent from 2012 to 2018, and be worth $117 billion by 2018. Latin America is expected to be a major driver for this growth."

We're happy to hear of these positive trends, and not just because we routinely ship tires to Mexico and throughout Latin America. What's good for the Mexican mining industry is good for all of us, since all growth strengthens the industry.

For more information on our stock of OTR tires, or to hear about our current deals, please feel free to contact us.

Image credit: APMEX

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On the Plus Side: Good News from the World of Big Tires and Mining Equipment

If you keep current with news snippets coming out of the world of big tires and mining equipment, then you're probably aware that bad news often seems to abound. That's true for several reasons. First, there actually is bad news. Second, bad news sells.

Media studies show that bad news far outweighs good news by as much as seventeen negative news reports for every one good news report. Why? The answer may lie in the work of evolutionary psychologists and neuroscientists. Humans seek out news of dramatic, negative events (Psychology Today).

So, should we blame the media for pandering to us, or ourselves for being the way we are? Either way, we felt it incumbent upon us to comb the web for some balance.

Mining contractor donates equipment to college

Good News from the World of Big Tires and Mining Equipment:

• As summer winds down, recycling drives ramp up. Around the nation, communities are coming together to collect big tires for recycling, turning them into tire rings used as construction barrel weights, crumb rubber, asphalt rubber used in road surfaces, playground surfacing, rubber rock, and tire-derived fuel.
• Charitable donation of heavy equipment will enhance learning. According to Northern Ontario Business, "Heavy equipment students at Northern College Timmins Campus now have hands-on experience in working with specialized mining equipment after a donation from Dumas Mining Contractors." The six pieces of heavy equipment donated will greatly enhance learning when classes start again in September of 2015.
• Titan considers building a wheel plant in Turkey. Although details of the plant are scarce, the company stated that through this expansion, they will be better able to provide wheels for the Turkish agricultural market as well as supporting markets in East Europe and the former Soviet Bloc. (Tire Business)

With new plants being built, charitable donations enhancing education, and recycling programs ramping up, it's a good time to be involved in a business that supports the growing trades of mining and agriculture. Remember that we carry a full supply of OTR tires and that we look forward to working with you. Contact us for information on our current deals.

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