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
Rodomagranulator
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.
