BHP mining tyres have been used in a trial to resurface a major highway in Queensland.
A collaboration between the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), BHP and the Australian Flexible Pavement Association, the aim of the trial was to see if a crumb rubber modified binder made from mining tyres could be used in a spray seal for roads.
The trial used two BHP mining tyres, each over four metres high and weighing 4.2 tonnes.
Acting BMA (BHP Mitsubishi Alliance) asset president Tim Day said the approach provided the mining industry a sustainable way to reuse tyre waste that would otherwise may just up in landfill.
“It will have a positive impact on the environment, as more than 6,000 tonnes of tyres can be used to seal roads,” Day said.
“This is a great example of how the by-products of mining can be used to positively affect the local communities where we operate, and we look forward to exploring how we can now further expand this trial to other road surfaces around the country.”
BHP manager – portfolio delivery Lydia Gentle said she was proud of the final outcome of the trial.
“It was a fantastic collaboration between BHP, TMR and our industry partners, and marks an exciting start to a more sustainable future for our tyre waste,” Gentle said.
The surfacing has performed well in the summer heat of central Queensland and continues to be monitored.
