Australia's first major OTR tire recovery project turns waste into infrastructure
According to a press release by Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA), in November 2023, 800 tonnes of used Off-The-Road (OTR) tires and conveyor belts were recovered from a remote region in Western Australia. This project, the first of its kind in Australia, demonstrates a practical approach to managing large rubber products within the mining industry.
Rio Tinto partnered with Carroll Engineering Services, accredited by TSA, to carry out the recovery. The materials were transported over 3,200 kilometers from the closed Argyle Diamond Mine in East Kimberley to Queensland. There, they were processed into crumb rubber, which is now being used in road construction on the Sunshine Coast.
A high-quality construction material, made from 800 tonnes of OTR tires and conveyor belts, that can help build more resilient roads, pavements and other community infrastructure. | Photos by TSA.
This recovery operation highlights an alternative to traditional waste disposal methods, focusing on recycling and reusing materials that would otherwise go to landfill. The processed rubber is being used in local infrastructure projects, contributing to waste reduction and creating business opportunities.
Rio Tinto's Closure, Procurement, Argyle Site, and Projects teams identified the potential for recovery and reuse of these materials, selecting Carroll Engineering Services for their capability to process the rubber and meet project requirements.
The November 2023 trial serves as a model for future recovery efforts at other Rio Tinto sites. The project also involved collaboration with local councils and industry partners, including Boral, Allens Asphalt, and Puma Energy Bitumen, supported by the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AFPA) and RMIT University.
This initiative addresses the challenges associated with OTR tire disposal and demonstrates the feasibility of recycling these materials for use in construction. The processed rubber is being used to build roads in Queensland, offering a practical solution to tire waste management.
For more information, refer to the original press release by Tyre Stewardship Australia.
Weibold is an international consulting company specializing exclusively in end-of-life tire recycling and pyrolysis. Since 1999, we have helped companies grow and build profitable businesses.
