Big wheels to keep on turning and turning
GIANT mining truck tyres will be transformed into oil and waste steel as part of an Australian-first recycling program that will create up to 30 jobs in central Queensland.
BHP has joined forces with Novum Energy to recycle mining truck tyres – which each weigh 4.9 tonnes – for the first time in Australia.
Used tyres from all seven of BHP’s BMA and BMC sites in Queensland will be supplied to Novum, which will convert the tyres into heavy and light oils, carbon black, syngas and steel at a processing plant being built at Nebo in the Isaac region.
BMA Asset president James Palmer said recycling the tyres would create new jobs for the community, increase sustainability and reduce emissions at BHP’s Queensland operations.
“We are constantly looking for ways to increase the sustainability of our operations, reduce emissions and contribute to regional communities, and this initiative does just that,” he said.
“New technology means rather than storing old tyres, 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.”
BHP will begin by supplying 2000 tyres each year to Novum.
Novum Energy Australia managing director Rowan Kendall said work was underway on a processing plant which would employ up to 30 full-time workers once operational: “Our target is to process 19,000 tonnes of rubber per annum, which will produce approximately 9 million litres of fuel oil, 4500 tonnes of recycled carbon black, 2500 tonnes of waste steel and excess syngas for electricity generation. This is an effective way to ensure used tyres are being reclaimed in a safe and sustainable manner.”
Novum Energy was founded in 2011 and focuses on converting excessive rubber-based waste to renewable energy sources and other high-quality by-products. Previously, mining tyres were stockpiled.
Mr Palmer said recycling old tyres would create new jobs, reduce emissions and increase the sustainability of BHP’s Queensland operations.