PINGSHUO, China (July 24, 2008) — Michelin and China Coal Pingshuo, China's largest surface coal mine, have signed a three-year renewable contract through which the French tire maker will provide full tire maintenance service at the mine tire depot.
Michelin said it will provide and maintain size 53/80R63 tires for the Komatsu 930E trucks used at the mine. China Coal is the nation's largest producer of coal from open-pit mines, and it produced 73 million metric tons in 2007.
Michelin claims to be the leader in the Chinese market for giant 63-inch tires. The company signed a tire supply agreement with the Chinese firm in May 2007. Last May China Coal Pingshuo named the tire company its supplier of the year.