Geoff Bower, from Andromeda Industries, explains how the company tackled multiple problems with one solution. The introduction of industrial rubber matting not only helped deal with wastage but also created a lasting product segment.
What began as a simple quest to repurpose industrial waste has transformed into a major business initiative for Andromeda Industries, a name known for its steel cable and wire products in the cranes and lifting world. Turning discarded mining conveyor belts into valuable products, shows how industrial waste can gain a second life and help grow the business.
Andromeda Industries’ rubber matting business began four decades ago when the founder Raymond McLaren discovered the potential in an industrial by-product which would otherwise just end up in dumping grounds.
Geoff Bower, Customer Relationship Manager at Andromeda said, the rubber product was a by-product from the Superflex links that Raymond was selling into the mines back in the ’80s.
“Raymond saw potential in what others considered waste. He thought, ‘I think there’s something we can do with this.’ And that’s how our rubber division was born,” Geoff said.
Initially seen as difficult-to-use waste, mining conveyor belts have become a versatile resource under Andromeda’s vision. Specialised machinery, developed by the company, allows the belts to be repurposed for various practical applications.
“A lot of our rubber comes from used mining conveyor belts, pulling coal out of the ground, power stations running coal into feeders, hard rock quarries, all sorts of bits and pieces,” Geoff said.
“A conveyor belt is extremely difficult to do anything with, so we built specialised machinery and now have over a 100-odd uses for this material.”
The company’s machinery was specifically developed to handle the tough material.
“We’ve created everything from truck mats to erosion control solutions, blast mats, and even trampoline matting for wheelchairs. The possibilities are immense,” Geoff said.
Applications across diverse industries
Andromeda’s repurposed rubber products have found diverse applications which include:
• Heavy load safety matting: Offering durable ground protection for crane yards and heavy industrial areas.
• Erosion control: Protecting landscapes, slopes, beaches, and infrastructure from degradation.
• Blast mats and curtains: Ensuring safety by containing debris in mining and construction.
• Equestrian and livestock matting: Enhancing animal safety and comfort in transport vehicles and stables.
• Infrastructure and accessibility: Utilised extensively along beach access paths, offering stable access while minimising environmental disruption.
“You’ll find these products extensively along the eastern seaboard, from car parks down to beaches,” Geoff said. “Our solutions offer excellent durability and versatility.”
Grades of matting
Transporting heavy equipment, especially counterweights, demands precision. Geoff said a lot of the company’s transport matting, particularly for counterweights, uses a softer ply belt. Usually ranging between 7-12 millimetre (mm) thickness, this matting provides a greater coefficient of friction, effectively reducing steel-on-steel contact – a significant issue in transportation.
“Steel-on-steel is a big no-no, and ply belts help us mitigate that risk,” Geoff said.
For heavier machinery equipped with grouser plates – think dozers, excavators, and crawler cranes – Andromeda Industries employs a different solution.
“We utilise a thicker belt called the Fenner belt, approximately 12-15mm thick. This belt is reinforced with woven PVC, providing exceptional durability and strength for heavy-duty applications. It’s the same material we use for our erosion control matting, perfect for hard stands and challenging terrains,” Geoff said.
Andromeda has developed a specially designed new rubber matting that is UV stabilised and crafted from A-grade material with an internal ply belt, making it much more durable. The product won’t rip, tear, or degrade under sunlight, nor does it retain heat like traditional rubber products.
Role in renewable energy
With the rise of renewable energy, Andromeda’s rubber products have found new relevance in wind farm construction. The company’s matting provides robust, stable surfaces suitable for turbine storage and crane operation. Geoff said, the matting can create harder, more stable surfaces with minimal site preparation and is suitable for storing turbines and equipment for wind farm sites.
Built to last
Repurposing industrial-grade belts reduces waste and extends their lifespan.
“Repurposing preserves the embodied energy of industrial-grade conveyor belts. Their durability makes them perfect for long-term use,” Geoff said.
He said some of the big exploration companies such as Antipa Minerals, which is an arm of Rio Tinto, use these mats to drive their excavators on, enabling them to climb escarpments and other challenging terrains to do their site exploration without damaging the grounds and the escarpments that they’re traversing.
“In regard to cranes and lifting, we produce heavy load safety matting, rubber matting for transportation of counterweights and heavy objects,” Geoff said.
Reusing vs Recycling
Andromeda Industries prefers repurposing instead of recycling due to the embodiment of energy. Recycling consumes a lot more energy compared to reusing and giving it another life.
“Because the mining conveyor belt is an industrial product it’s designed for hard use for years and years,” Geoff said.
“When it’s repurposed into more of a sedentary job, like truck matting or heavy load safety matting, its life expectancy increases tenfold. We saw an opportunity to give something considered waste a new life. It was about seeing potential and acting on it.”