Pathway Polymers, a Chattanooga-based pioneer and industry leader in tire flatproofing solutions, recently signed an agreement with NeuMaq in Chile to provide TyrFil to El Teniente, the world’s largest underground copper mining facility.

The El Teniente mine is currently operated by Codelco, a state-owned copper mining company, along with Soletanche-Bachy, a geotechnical and civil engineering contractor.

According to Johan Gacitua of NeuMaq, Pathway Polymers played a key role in this contract award. He stated, “We are very excited about new opportunities ahead, and we expect to grow our tire fill business with Pathway Polymers.”

“Pathway Polymers continues to expand its global footprint,” said Mike Arnold, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing at Pathway. “We’re proud to be involved with such an important project.”

Officials said, "Pathway Polymers invented the TyrFil brand, the world’s first polyurethane tire fill material. Since then, TyrFil has eliminated downtime due to flat tires and increased productivity for mining, construction, rental and OEM customers. Pathway Polymers is the tire filling industry’s first and most extensive 'one stop shop' for providing tire flatproofing materials and equipment.

"In general, the tougher the territory, the greater the need for TyrFil. In the mining industry, tires are one of the most expensive maintenance and repair costs, especially when you add in downtime due to a flat tire. Some of these tires cost $100,000 and more. The last thing a mining operator wants is for one of these tires to go flat while equipment is operating underground. TyrFil allows operators to run equipment over the toughest working conditions and terrain. In spite of cuts and punctures, TyrFil keeps equipment running by eliminating costly downtime and production losses.

"The contract with NeuMaq is a major step for Pathway Polymers, further expanding the company’s international reach. This contract allows Pathway to provide tire fill to El Teniente, the world’s largest underground copper mining facility. 

"As a key supplier to major mining, construction, rental and OEM customers, Pathway Polymers is the preferred tire fill provider for flatproofing solutions in the U.S. and international markets."

Pathway Polymers will be exhibiting at MINExpo International at the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 24-26.