Australian magazine Inside Waste reports that BHP – a global resources company – will supply end-of-life earth moving tires from all seven BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMC) and BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) sites to Novum Energy Australia for conversion into heavy and light oils, carbon black, syngas and steel. According to the magazine, it will take place at a processing plant that is being built in Nebo in the Isaac region of Queensland.

Novum Energy Australia managing director Rowan Kendall said the company’s target was to process 19,000 tons of rubber per annum. This would produce approximately nine million liters of fuel oil, 4500 ton of recycled carbon black, 2500 tons of waste steel and excess syngas for electricity generation.

According to Kendall, this was an effective way to ensure used tires were being reclaimed in a safe and sustainable manner.

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One of reactors at Novum Energy's facility | Photo by Novum Energy.

Regarding the job creation, BMA asset president James Palmer said recycling the tires would create new jobs for the community, increase sustainability and reduce emissions at BHP’s Queensland operations. Up to 30 new jobs will be created in the Bowen Basin.

“We are constantly looking for ways to increase the sustainability of our operations, reduce emissions and contribute to regional communities, and this new BHP-led initiative does just that,” Palmer said.

“New technology means rather than storing old tires, which weigh around 4.9 tons each, they can be now be recycled and turned into new products. This helps us create a circular economy in the region by re-purposing waste locally and creating activity in the region.”

BMC asset president Elsabe Muller said BHP would start by supplying 2000 tires annually to Novum.

“This is a first for BHP in Australia, and is another example of the mining industry in central Queensland leading the way,” Muller said.

Article by Inside Waste Australia.