Lomas Bayas, a mining company in Chile, recovered and valorised 289.36 tonnes of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) in 2025, achieving 202% of its target of 143 tonnes under Chile’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. Michelin certified the results, marking the second consecutive year the mining operation has been recognised for its ELT management
“This result not only certifies that Lomas Bayas complies with regulations, but also goes well beyond what the law requires,” said Cristian Garrote, Mining Commercial Manager at Michelin Chile, adding that the achievement supports Michelin’s ambition to manufacture all its tyres from renewable or recycled materials by 2050.
Lomas Bayas’ tyre management system ensures traceability from the arrival of tyres at the mine to their removal for recycling, which involves planning, logistics and operations teams, alongside the tyre maintenance service and Michelin. As part of the system, the same trucks that deliver new tyres to the mine collect used ones and transport them to Michelin’s recycling plant in Antofagasta, helping optimise available resources.
“This is our second year receiving this recognition, and we have managed to double the target established under the EPR Law. This reflects the work carried out across the company and our department’s management of mining tyre recycling,” said Erick Franco, Senior Tyre and Pollution Management Engineer at Lomas Bayas.
In 2026, the company expanded the same coordination model, which could enable around 350 additional end-of-life tyres to be removed from the site for recycling in the coming months. The initiative forms part of Lomas Bayas’ commitment to the circular economy and the efficient use of resources.
Source: Portal Minero
