In the dust-choked world of mining, tires are more than just rubber—they’re a recurring headache. They wear out fast, cost millions to replace, and leave behind a trail of microplastic pollution that seeps into oceans and soil. For decades, this problem has been shrugged off as the cost of doing business. But a small engineering firm in Phoenix, Arizona, Global Air Cylinder Wheels (GACW), is challenging that narrative with a radical rethink: the Air Suspension Wheel (ASW), a steel-based, airless wheel designed to outlast, outperform, and out-green traditional rubber tires.

A steel wheel built for the future is quietly reshaping one of the dirtiest corners of industry—and it might just change how we think about tires forever.
GACW


Imagine a wheel that doesn’t explode under pressure, doesn’t shed toxic dust, and doesn’t need to be swapped out every few months. That’s the ASW. Built from steel and powered by nitrogen-filled cylinders and oil dampers, it mimics the suspension of a rubber tire without the fragility. It’s engineered to handle the brutal terrain of mining sites, where haul trucks and bulldozers routinely chew through tires every 6 to 9 months. According to GACW, a single mining truck can rack up as much as $7 million in tire costs over its lifetime. That’s not just a budget line—it’s a business model begging for disruption.

The ASW is engineered to replicate the tire size, load bearing capacity (or more if desired), and deflection. ASW’s overall weight is within the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. GACW


And disruption is exactly what GACW is selling. Their wheels don’t just last longer—they’re 100% recyclable, customizable, and safer. Unlike rubber tires, which can overheat, explode, or catch fire, ASWs are built to withstand extreme conditions without compromising worker safety. “Rubber tires are the polluter you’ve never thought of,” the company warns, citing data that shows six million tonnes of tire wear particles enter the environment annually, with up to 28% of ocean microplastics traced back to tire dust.

“The Air Suspension Wheel is easily the largest innovation in the off-the-road tire space since the introduction of the radial tire over 20 years ago”
Brownfield Engineering, Australia, GACW



This isn’t just about mining. It’s about a broader shift in how we build and move heavy machines. GACW’s CEO, Harmen van Kamp, sees a future where ASWs roll into electric vehicles, commercial trucks, military gear, and logistics fleets. “Our mission is to redefine what’s possible for industrial wheels,” van Kamp said. “We are committed to delivering a product that solves real-world problems: reducing costs for operators, increasing safety for workers, and dramatically cutting environmental harm”.

ASWs do not produce rubber dust. They last as long as the vehicle itself and are 100% recyclable. Additionally, ASWs help reduce CO2 and NOX emissions. GACW



The timing couldn’t be better. The global tire industry is under pressure to innovate, with sustainability and durability now front and center. A recent report from Smithers highlights how rapid innovation is reshaping the tire market, driven by environmental regulations, rising raw material costs, and demand for longer-lasting solutions. GACW’s steel wheel fits squarely into this trend, offering a tangible alternative that’s already attracting investor attention. The company recently raised $3.2 million through equity crowdfunding, signaling growing confidence in its commercial rollout.

The Air Suspension Wheel (ASW) is an eco-friendly and better performing alternative for the extremely pollutive rubber tire. They are also more cost-efficient and safer. GACW



For communities near mining operations, this could mean cleaner air, safer roads, and fewer toxic remnants. For operators, it’s a chance to cut costs without cutting corners. And for the planet, it’s a small but meaningful step toward reducing one of the most overlooked sources of pollution.

As GACW ramps up production and fulfills its growing pipeline of orders, the next few years will be critical. Will the ASW become the new standard in mining? Will other industries follow suit? If the promise holds, this steel wheel might not just change how we mine—it could change how we move.

Watch this space. The future of tires might not be rubber at all.

Source: New Atlas