Carbide drill bit recycling programme

Sandvik is introducing what it says is an industry-first ‘opt-out’ recycling programme for carbide drill bit users. The company says its initiative aims to transform the use of a material expected to run out within 40 years to 100 years, if consumption rates continue unabated.

Tungsten, a key component in cemented carbide, is a scarce and finite material. Making tools from recycled carbide requires 70% less energy and emits 64% less carbon dioxide (CO₂) and also reduces nitrous oxide emissions, explains the company.

Sandvik aims to collect 90% of its own used bits by 2025. Other manufacturers’ used bits can also be recycled within the scope of the new initiative.

“Our breakthrough opt-out programme supports our customers’ drive to mine more sustainably and demonstrates our commitment to delivering on Sandvik’s ambitious sustainability goals to halve CO2 emissions by 2030,” said Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions Rock Tools division president Jens Holmberg. “We are determined to lead the industry into a new era, fully committed to embed circularity across an essential component of mining.”

According to a World Bank Group report, demand for certain minerals is estimated to grow 500% by 2050, and recycling of drill bits will play an important part in making the mining industry more sustainable. Historically, carbide recycling has faced several challenges, with limited collection of used products and inefficient, hazardous methods of carbide extraction.

Sandvik says it is now able to help customers overcome these challenges through its new opt-out programme and offer its customers extraction support, making it easier, faster and safer to recycle dull drill bits with the use of a new patent-pending method that will reduce transportation emissions by 93%.