Abstract

When it comes to mine reclamation, there are numerous sources referencing the importance of progressive reclamation throughout the life of the mine to help in reducing environmental, socio-economic and financial liabilities. A key element of progressive reclamation would be addressing how end-of-life mining tires (ELTs) are disposed of in a sustainable way throughout the life of the mine.

The mining industry faces a critical environmental challenge with the growing volume of ELTs generated by heavy machinery, and the growing number of mines. These large, complex products require careful handling, and new sustainable disposal methods to avoid the environmental burden of landfill accumulation.

There is both a growing requirement for mining operations to lower their carbon footprint – along with a growing need for greater recovered carbon black (rCB), as rCB generates far less carbon emissions than virgin carbon black production.

Here is where mines, and their large ELTs, can play an important role. By converting waste tires into the virgin materials, they were made from (mainly steel, oil and carbon black), via a Thermal Conversion solution – mines not only reduce their carbon footprint by reducing landfill waste, but they also offset the need for production of virgin materials. This solution also supports a circular economy within the mining and rubber manufacturing sectors.

Kal Tire’s Thermal Conversion recycling solution has been successfully operating for a few years – the latest advancements include refining the carbon ash, a key output of this process, into high-valued rCB. After a great deal of R&D investment, and developing a proprietary refining technology, this rCB has met, and in some cases exceeds, the specifications required of tire manufacturers.

This presentation will highlight advancements made in mining tire recycling technology, and rCB refining technology – giving mines and stakeholders a viable path to meet sustainability goals and contribute to a lower carbon future.  It will explore the impact of thermal conversion as a solution for ELT recycling that also supports the demand for traceability. It will highlight tire manufacturers’ efforts to develop sustainability standards, lower emissions, and achieve Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets.

Integrating ELT recycling is not only a key element of a mine’s progressive reclamation strategy, it is essential—to reduce environmental risks and avoid regulatory mandates, as well as to secure community trust and demonstrate corporate responsibility.