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PROCESSING METALS
Metals arrive at the RRT plant in different shapes and sizes depending on where they came from. Processing scrap metal is a specialised and labour intensive exercise. RRT employs approximately 45 staff most of whom are involved in the processing of metals. Technology also has an important role in the efficient and cost effective production of a quality end product.In terms of the non-ferrous metals the most significant item of RRT plant is the copper granulator. The Rodoma granulator represents the latest technology from Sweden. It is used to reduce scrap copper cable to small granules.
Other items of plant include a Hariss TGS 204 industrial baler manufactured in the United Kingdom. This machine bales light gauge steel such as whiteware and sheet iron into blocks that are more cost effectively transported.
Aluminium cans are also pressed into blocks using a can press which automatically separates aluminium and steel cans. The aluminium block product is exported into Asia, remelted and used in the manufacturing industry. Heavy steel is another product that requires extensive processing. In order to achieve marketable quantities of heavy steel RRT builds up a stockpile of up to 10,000 tonnes. Once acceptable quantities have been stockpiled at the 5-acre RRT plant the processed steel is exported in bulk-loaded ships, mainly to Asian markets. However, the steel must first be sorted, and in some cases cut down to manageable sizes. Gas cutters and a large industrial shear are used to cut the steel to size. Processing adds value, as it makes the product easier to use at the next step in the recycling process.