Alcoa’s ongoing recycling efforts have taken a big step with the delivery of used conveyor belts to its specialist partner Tyrecycle.
The first reel of belts from Alcoa’s Western Australia mining operations arrived at Tyrecycle’s East Rockingham facility on September 24.
The steel wire used in the belts will be reclaimed and the rubber will be turned into crumb, suitable for a range of uses, including as an additive in road construction.
Alcoa global program manager for water and waste Nicole King said about 32km of used conveyor belt will be recycled through Tyrecycle’s processes.
“This new opportunity will allow us to recycle 80 reels of used conveyor belt in the initial program, with Tyrecycle processing about 100 tonnes a week into crumb,” she said. “That’s alongside more than 300 tonnes of our used off-the-road tyres a year.”
Tyrecycle head of trading, mining and strategic development Ashley Battilana said the company is focused on circular recycling solutions to allow used rubber to be converted into new, value-added products.
“Initially, we’ll produce rubber crumb, like we do with tyres, that can be repurposed into a broad range of applications such as polymers for bitumen, granules used in sporting and playground surfaces, adhesives and moulded rubber products,” he said.
“Our vision is to continue driving innovation so we can integrate recycled material into new conveyor belt manufacturing in the future.”
Tyrecycle’s East Rockingham processing facility has been operating since May last year, and is specifically targeting WA mining operators looking to decarbonise their supply chains.
Battilana said tyres and other rubber products, including conveyor belts, are a major waste stream across many industry sectors.
“We’re proud to work with Alcoa, jointly supporting jobs in the region and continuing to reduce impacts on the environment,” he said.
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