Up to 30 new jobs will be created in Queensland’s Bowen Basin as a result of a new partnership between BHP and Novum Energy to recycle mining truck tyres for the first time in Australia.
Used earth moving tyres from all seven BMA and BMC sites in Queensland will be supplied to Novum who will convert the tyres into heavy and light oils, carbon black, syngas and steel at a processing plant being built in 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.
“New technology means rather than storing old tyres, which weigh around 4.9 tonnes each, 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.”
BMC Asset President Elsabe Muller said BHP will start by supplying 2,000 tyres annually to Novum.
“This is a first for BHP in Australia,” said Ms Muller.
Novum Energy Australia Managing Director, Rowan Kendall, detailed that work was underway on a processing plant that would employ up to 30 full-time employees once fully operational.
“Our target is to process 19,000 tonnes of rubber per annum, which will produce approximately 9 million litres of fuel oil, 4,500 tonnes of recycled carbon black, 2,500 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,” Mr Kendall said.
