Ok Tedi to recycle discarded rubber

Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) is pursuing a world-unique rubber recycling programme that will convert used mining tyres and conveyer belts into rubber crumb.
The OTML adaptation of recycling technology is a world first for the mining industry that will enable the disposal of mining tyres and conveyor belts in a socially-responsible manner by processing them into rubber granules that can then be used to make other rubber materials and products.
A large mining tyre can have a diameter of up to 2.5m and weigh nearly three tonnes.
Managing director and chief executive officer of OTML Nigel Parker was excited about this project.
 “OTML have, over the past 30 years, accumulated an estimated volume of 40,000 cubic metres of tyres,” he said.
“Traditionally, mine sites have disposed of tyres in land-fills which, environmentally, is not a good solution”.
OTML’s rubber recycling programme will process the used tyres into rubber crumb and fines. There are multiple uses for this product.
 As example, it can be used in the bitumen component of road surfaces to make them more flexible and longer lasting, it can be used to create surfaced playing fields in children’s playgrounds, as underlays for carpets and tiles, and even as building blocks.
OTML is investing US$5 million in a processing plant that will be shipped over from Europe this July.
“The world mining industry will be looking on, particularly Australia, because at the moment there’s no process to treat these mining tyres,” Parker said.so once this project is successful, we can look to share our learning’s with other mine sites in PNG and Australia,” Parker said.