Haul road

nounStandard termMining

A heavy-duty, engineered dirt or gravel road built for large mining trucks.

A haul road is a purpose-built transit route connecting the active mining face to the crusher, stockpile, or waste dump. These roads are engineered with specific grades, wide turning radiuses, and thick compacted bases to support trucks weighing several hundred tons. Continuous grading and watering are required to maintain traction, reduce tire wear, and suppress dust.

Heard on the job

The water truck needs to hit the main haul road before the dust blinds the shovel operators.

Insider tip

A well-maintained haul road directly impacts a mine's profitability by extending tire life and reducing fuel consumption.