Australia’s independent provider of specialist screen media products and services Elastomers Australia has been recognised for its fire-mitigating solutions in the Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Awards.

Elastomers Australia was declared a 2024 finalist in the Innovation category for assisting Rio Tinto with mitigating fire risk at their ore processing facilities across Western Australia.

Elastomers Australia developed a series of Armalast Fire Shield^R screening solutions, which were initially integrated at Rio Tinto’s Cape Lambert site in WA, before being rolled out to other Iron Ore operations.

General Manager of Business Solutions Pat Caputo said the improvements delivered by Elastomers Australia solutions significantly enhanced safety and operational efficiency for the mining giant.

‘Our team worked tirelessly to customise existing Armalast Fire Shield^R Products to improve plant performance and effectively mitigate fire risk at Rio Tinto’s ore processing facilities,’ Pat said.

Approximately 200 nominations were made for the Supplier Recognition Awards, with 18 finalists selected across six categories.

‘Being a specialist solutions provider to the mining and mineral processing industry, this nomination is a testament to our hardworking national team and their ability to continually deliver unparalleled screen media service and solutions,’ Pat said.

‘We’re honoured to be recognised in the innovation category for our efforts to develop and implement various screening solutions in collaboration with Rio Tinto.’

‘I thank Rio Tinto for acknowledging us with this finalist nomination, which reinforces Elastomers Australia’s dedication to safety, service and innovation within the mining and mineral processing industry.’

Pat said the Elastomers Australia team delivered the solution for Rio Tinto while facing exceptional challenges, including tight deadlines, supply chain disruptions and COVID-19 restrictions.

‘Despite these constraints, our team remained resilient and adaptable, leveraging innovative approaches and collaborative strategies to help improve Rio Tinto’s operations,’ Pat explained.

‘This successful project is another example of the strong working relationship Elastomers Australia and Rio Tinto have maintained over the past three decades.’

Elastomers Australia has been developing and providing the Australian mining industry with locally manufactured high-quality screen media for over 45 years.

Pat said our specialist teams based in each of our service branches across Australia ensures our clients receive local support for their operations.

‘Beyond our site servicing, it is our local manufacturing facilities that enable us to respond quickly and efficiently when help is needed,’ Pat said.

‘We want to make sure our customers are better off through our cradle-to-grave service offering.’

‘We have only scratched the surface on what innovative screen media technology can offer, and we look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with RTIO in the future, to assist making their ore processing facilities safer and more efficient.’

To learn more about Elastomers Australia and see our nomination video, visit https://elastomersaustralia.com.au/innovative-screen-media/