Dust-A-Side Repurposes Old Haul Road Material to Build New Mine Roads

Dust-A-Side, a company specializing in dust management, has found a new way to reduce waste and cut costs at mining operations. By repurposing old haul road material, Dust-A-Side has successfully built a new mine road, demonstrating a shift in how mines manage resources.

In a project that reflects broader industry trends, Dust-A-Side recovered approximately 1 km of treated road material from a pit expansion. This material was then blended in a 50/50 ratio with coal discard and compacted and plate mixed with Dust-A-Side's DAS LC product. The surface was reshaped and finished with a grader before being sealed. The result was a smooth, well-shaped, and sealed surface ready for production traffic, using only half the volume of wearing course and product normally required.

This initiative is part of a wider effort by Dust-A-Side to reduce waste and recover value from existing materials. The company also repurposes product residue from its own operations, using it to repair mine potholes and road surfaces. Depending on the need, the residue is applied as is or mixed with water and soil material.

Fillipus Masipa, Chief Technical Officer of Dust-A-Side, emphasized the importance of reusing materials.

The project highlights Dust-A-Side's commitment to environmental stewardship. By repurposing old road material and product residue, the company is reducing waste and demonstrating progress on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. This approach not only addresses regulatory and investor pressure but also lowers the demand for new product.

Dust-A-Side's approach is integral to how the company operates. It assesses each site's roads, surfaces, and dust challenges to develop a tailored approach. The company works closely with each operation to ensure that its solutions are effective and efficient.

The use of reclaimed materials in mine road construction is part of a broader trend in the industry. As pits expand, older infrastructure is often buried or discarded, taking with it valuable materials and products. By repurposing these materials, mines can reduce waste and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

Dust-A-Side's project shows that recovered material, whether from an old road or the bottom of a storage tank, can be repurposed into working mine infrastructure. Each initiative reduces waste, recovers value from existing materials, and lowers demand for new product. The company's approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also provides cost savings and operational efficiencies.

In conclusion, Dust-A-Side's project demonstrates a practical and effective solution to the challenges faced by mines in managing resources. By repurposing old road material and product residue, the company is setting a new standard for sustainable operations in the mining industry.