Mining claims circular credit with recycled tools

Sandvik Group is striving to make the mining industry more circular by recycling steel from used cone crusher parts for use in new crushing equipment.

Sandvik has created the first range of recycled cone crushers at its foundry in Sweden, comprising 91% circular manganese steel. In doing so, the company eliminated 79% of production emissions, reports Anders Åkesson, crushing & screening specialist at Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology. 

‘Reusing and recycling steel to manufacture mining equipment has demonstrated an opportunity that helps meet the sustainability goals of both equipment suppliers and their customers,’ he says. ‘If the industry wants to become circular, taking a look at equipment is a good place to start.’

Modern mining equipment is mostly made from manganese steel, which is renowned for its hardening properties and resistance to abrasion. This means it becomes harder the more impacts it receives, creating a low friction surface suited to crushing.

‘For this reason, manganese steel has been used in high impact applications for over 100 years, making it an ideal material for cone crushers,’ Åkesson notes. He is confident that using recycled steel from end-of-life cone crusher parts offers both a sustainable and practical solution.