R1100DE aids anti-poaching drive

A Rockster Recycler R1100DE parallel hybrid impact crusher had a public outing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris where it was used to crush illegal ivory as part of France’s drive to deter the poaching of African elephants for their tusks. A total of 2.3 tonnes of raw and processed tusks, and 15,357 individual pieces such as bracelets, necklaces and statues, with an estimated value of €7 million (US$9.6 million) went through the machine to drive home the message.

In the past France, like many countries, has stored seized ivory in customs warehouses, museums and courts, but environmentally organisations have been calling for its systematic destruction. French ecology minister Philippe Martin and French ecologist Nicolas Hulot attended a press conference prior to the crushing operation to drive home to poachers and traffickers that there is no future in ivory. Philippe said that any illegal ivory seized in France would in future be destroyed.

The machine was supplied by construction giant Eurovia/Vinci. Philippe started the machine running and French customs officials fed the tusks and other items onto the conveyor that then carried it to the R1100DE’s hopper.