Derbyshire Firm in Alliance With Global Mining Giant

Along with diesel fuel and manpower, tyres are a critical component in open cast mining operations. The commodities boom of recent years has put pressure on global tyre supply and by investing in a recycling plant, Rio Tinto has secured an important new source of tyres. At the same time, the new factory will significantly reduce wastage at Rio Tinto’s operating sites. Current global industry practice at open pit mines is to run tyres to the end of their life and then bury them on site. The new factory has the potential to change this practice by introducing a new model where the life cycle of earthmover tyres involves retreading. As well as providing cost savings to Rio Tinto, there will be an important sustainability benefit, with each retread saving around 2,500 kg of raw materials.

The new facility will be the first to use enhanced retread technology on the largest earthmoving tyres operating in extreme temperatures. OTR has been responsible for designing and equipping the factory and will manage and operate the site for Rio Tinto going forward. The factory will be staffed by up to 30 OTR employees and is expected to produce approximately 1000 tyres per year once up to full production levels. The factory was formally opened by Rio Tinto Group Chief Executive Tom Albanese, Global Head of Procurement John McGagh, Sam Walsh Chief Executive Rio Tinto Iron Ore and OTR Managing Director Chris Skelton.

Commenting, Chris Skelton, said: “After many months of hard work, we are delighted to be starting production. The factory is a state of the art facility using the very latest technology and we believe that it will prove to be an excellent investment for Rio Tinto” John McGagh added: “We are confident that the use of re-treaded tyres will provide Rio Tinto with a more secure supply chain for tyres and will extend the life of a valuable resource. The challenge of successfully re-treading these tyres is at the forefront of technology given the technical issues involved, the environment in which they must operate and the demanding performance and safety standards imposed by Rio Tinto.”