Buried Potential: How Australia’s Mining Sector Holds the Key

Apr 16, 2025

Each year, Australian industry consumes a staggering estimated 130,000 tonnes of Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres1

It’s further estimated that more than 70% of the total tonnage comes from mining activity, but the real challenge lies in their disposal, with most currently ending up buried in pits or stockpiled onsite.

OTR tyres are not biodegradable. Once discarded, whether buried underground or left in remote stockpiles, they remain in the environment indefinitely, posing significant fire risks to ecosystems and communities alike.

The water that accumulates in abandoned tyres also creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects, increasing the risk of diseases.

Their sheer durability, once a benefit in industrial use, becomes a liability in disposal.

But this isn’t just an environmental concern, it’s also a profound waste of a valuable resource. Tyres are rich in recoverable rubber and steel, both of which can be reprocessed and upcycled for use across a wide range of industries, including road construction, infrastructure, agriculture and commercial surfacing.

Crumb rubber is derived from end-of-life tyres and is the smallest and highest end use of recycled rubber.

With such a major stake in OTR tyre consumption, the Australian mining industry is in a prime position to pioneer innovative recycling solutions and drive a sustainable future for resource recovery.

However, transitioning to more sustainable practices in tyre management isn’t just about goodwill or social responsibility.

As global demand for sustainable practices increases, companies that lead in responsible recycling and resource recovery will set themselves apart in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

It’s a smart commercial decision that should strengthen a company’s ESG credentials and competitive edge in the long run.

At CTS Tyre Recycling, we offer a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for those companies ready to make a change.

From secure, efficient on-site collection services to state-of-the-art recycling processes, we ensure that every tyre is handled responsibly.

But we know simplicity matters. That’s why we prioritise making the process as smooth as possible. We are here to take the hassle out of tyre disposal.