Published in the September 2014 Australia’s Mining Monthly

The disposal of waste tyres and conveyor belts from mining machinery has proved problematic in Australia due to their size and remote locations, making the process lengthy and expensive. Australia’s poor management of waste tyres has had negative impacts globally, from health-related issues to the increased risk of fires.

“Australia is the last remaining developed world country that still allows the export of whole tyres to Asia, while also allowing the stockpiling and landfill of whole tyres,” says Tyrecycle CEO Jim Fairweather.

The World Health Organisation reported that stockpiles of waste tyres sent to countries like Vietnam had contributed to the spread of mosquito borne diseases.

Despite the demand for tyre recycling not increasing at a rapid rate, Fairweather said: “As we grapple for the industry sector to come to the realisation that we need to do something with this waste, it creates a huge opportunity for investment and employment.”

Once transported to Asia, the tyres are used in various applications from building insulation, brake pads and alternative fuels.

Tyre-derived fuel is key to Tyrecycle’s business within Asia.

The fuel is suitable in high-combustion facilities, such as cement, paper and steel production. TDF reduces the consumption of traditional fossil fuels in the production process and also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.

“As a privately-owned and operated business, we are highly geared towards long-term, sustainable partnerships,” Fairweather said. “The key contract we hold in Asia in the cement industry is with Lafarge – the world’s largest cement manufacturer.”

Tyrecycle is looking to use its strong industry links to develop the supply of alternative fuels to Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Pakistan, Vietnam and China.

The company aim is to collect and process over 50% of waste tyres generated in Australia in an efficient, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner.

To do this, Fairweather called on the Australian government to harmonise recycling regulations between the states.

Both the US and Europe have outlawed the export of whole tyres, but some fnd their way to Asia illegally.

Fairweather said he would like to see the Australian government follow suit and heavily regulate the disposal process, to esnure Australian tyres don’t find themselves on Asia’s black market.

“We’d also like to see the total banning of stockpiling and landfill of whole tyres and the ban of exporting those tyres to Asia,” he added.