OTR Tyre Recycling: A Sustainable Future for Mining

The mining industry, known for its massive-scale operations, faces a unique challenge when it comes to sustainability – the disposal of Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres. These giants, essential for heavy machinery, pose significant environmental concerns at the end of their lifecycle. However, innovative OTR tyre recycling processes are paving the way for a more sustainable future in mining. Let’s delve into the challenges and solutions surrounding tyre recycling in this crucial sector.

The Scale of the Problem

Mining operations require exceptionally large tyres, some weighing up to 3.8 tonnes each. In Australia, around 130,000 tonnes of OTR tyres reach their end of life annually, with the mining sector contributing approximately 79% of this volume. The recovery rate for OTR tyres in Australia is currently only about 10%, with the remaining 90% often disposed of on-site at mining or agricultural locations. Traditional disposal methods, such as landfilling or stockpiling, are neither environmentally friendly nor economically viable in the long term.

Sustainability Challenges

• Volume: The sheer size and quantity of OTR tyres make handling and processing difficult.
• Composition: OTR tyres contain complex materials, including steel, rubber, and fabric, which complicate recycling efforts.
• Remote Locations: Many mining operations are in isolated areas, making transportation of waste tyres costly and logistically challenging.
• Environmental Impact: Improper disposal can lead to soil and water contamination, as well as increased fire risks. On-site burial, a common practice in Australia, delays the cost of resource recovery and passes it on to future generations.

Breaking Down the Giants

To tackle these challenges, the industry has developed specialised equipment and processes to break down for efficient OTR tyre recycling:

De-beading

De-beading is a crucial first step that removes the steel bead wire from the tyre. This process separates the rubber from the metal components, facilitating further processing. Our specialised de-beading equipment, such as the Eagle Tyre Debeader, is a cutting-edge solution for OTR tyre maintenance. It effortlessly removes bead bundles across a wide range of sizes. Its patented design features hydraulically adjustable die plates and a hydraulic shear to ensure efficient and precise operation. With a built-in hydraulic crane and wireless remote control, operators can safely manage bead wires while maintaining superior manoeuvrability.

Tyre Shearing

The next step in recycling large OTR tyres involves tyre shearing. This process uses powerful hydraulic shears to cut the tyre into manageable pieces. Waste Initiatives offers a comprehensive selection of Eagle Tyre Shearing and Cutting Equipment. The tyre shearing units are designed to efficiently downsize Truck, OTR and mining tyres to the operator’s specified dimensions, ensuring minimal cleanup thanks to their clean-cut design that produces no rubber waste.

Shredding

Once de-beaded and sheared, the tyre pieces undergo shredding. This step reduces the rubber into smaller fragments, making it suitable for various recycling applications. Our industrial-grade tyre shredders are designed to process large volumes of tyre material, converting waste into valuable resources. Waste Initiatives provides comprehensive Tyre Recycling Systems, from initial pre-shred equipment capable of producing Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF) to equipment for producing crumb and powder. The complete system features primary shredders for initial size reduction, secondary shredders for further processing, and additional equipment such as raspers, magnetic separators, vibrating screens, and grinding mills. This setup enables the production of high-quality rubber crumb (1-4mm) and fine rubber powder (40-80 mesh).

The Benefits of OTR Tyre Recycling

Implementing these recycling processes offers numerous advantages:

• Resource Recovery: Recycled rubber can be used in various applications, from road construction to manufacturing new products.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Proper recycling minimises landfill usage and prevents potential contamination.
• Economic Opportunities: The recycling process creates new jobs and potential revenue streams from recycled materials.
• Compliance: Many regions, including Australia, are implementing stricter regulations on tyre disposal, making recycling a necessary compliance measure.

Future of OTR Tyre Recycling in Australia: Innovations and Efforts

The future of OTR tyre recycling in Australia is shaped by innovation, strategic partnerships, and a focus on sustainability. Key developments include:

• Advanced Material Separation and New Applications: Cutting-edge technologies are being developed to produce higher-quality recycled products, with recycled tyre materials finding new uses.
• Recycling Infrastructure Growth: The expansion and modernisation of recycling facilities enhance the capacity to efficiently process OTR tyres, driving waste reduction, material recovery, and the optimisation of recycling processes.
• Partnerships for Sustainable Recycling: Collaborative programs between waste producers and recyclers are being established, creating structured initiatives to ensure a more efficient and sustainable recycling process.
• On-Site Recycling and Circular Economy Transition: Recycling tyres directly at mining sites and shifting towards a circular economy presents significant opportunities for resource recovery, reduced transportation costs, and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recycling OTR tyres in the mining sector presents both significant challenges and opportunities. With the development of specialised equipment and processes, such as de-beading, tyre shearing, and shredding, the industry is making strides towards more sustainable practices. By improving recycling rates and reducing environmental impact, these efforts not only help comply with regulations but also create economic opportunities. As innovations continue to emerge, and with stronger partnerships and infrastructure, the future of OTR tyre recycling in Australia looks promising, offering a path towards a more sustainable and circular economy.

Contact Waste Initiatives today to learn more about how these advanced systems can benefit your site.

Sources

https://www.tyrestewardship.org.au/reports-facts-figures/mining-industry-off-the-road-otr-used-tyre-analysis/
https://weibold.com/recent-innovations-in-otr-tire-recycling-technologies
https://www.mining-technology.com/features/mining-tyres-recycling/
https://tyrecycle.com.au/otr-mining-tyre-recycling-australia/
https://www.australianmining.com.au/what-do-you-do-with-waste-mining-tyres/
https://fennerdunlopamericas.com/company/turning-waste-into-innovation-teck-tyromer-and-fenner-dunlops-journey-to-sustainable-mining-solutions/
https://im-mining.com/advertiser_profile/kal-tire-leads-way-solving-challenge-scrap-mining-tyres/
https://miningmagazine.com.au/huge-tyres-enormous-esg-opportunities/
https://atra.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ATRA-Newsletter.pdf