Kal Tire is advancing sustainable solutions for end-of-life (EOL) mining tires, a growing challenge as mines worldwide generate hundreds of thousands of tonnes of tire waste each year. In an article by Terry Galvin, vice-president of recycling services at Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group, for Canadian Mining Journal, the company highlights that traditional disposal methods such as stockpiling or shredding only delay the problem, while sustainable recycling technologies open the door to long-term value creation.

At its thermal conversion facility in northern Chile, Kal Tire uses advanced pyrolysis to recover high-value commodities from giant mining tires, including steel, oil, syngas, and carbon ash. Nearly 100% of each tire can be reused, with syngas powering the plant itself. A key focus is the transformation of carbon ash into recovered carbon black (rCB), which offers a sustainable alternative to virgin carbon black for tire and rubber manufacturers.

To achieve this, Kal Tire has developed proprietary upgrading technology that processes, purifies, and pelletizes carbon ash into high-quality rCB that meets Tier 1 tire manufacturer specifications. This step is crucial for enabling circular use of materials in tire production while lowering carbon footprints across supply chains.

The company sees thermal conversion as more than just an environmental solution—it is an operational advantage for mines, helping them meet ESG commitments, reduce closure risks, and integrate sustainable practices into long-term planning. Kal Tire emphasizes that early engagement with recycling partners and aligning tire recycling with reclamation strategies are essential for success.

Read the full article on Canadian Mining Journal for more details about Kal Tire’s approach and technology.