Chemical crush

Recycling sub-contractor Richter is using a Lokotrack LT105 mobile jaw crusher from Metso Minerals to clear contaminated foundations and above ground structures at a former chemicals factory in Leuna, Germany.

The immense Leuna Factory was the largest chemical manufacturing enterprise in the world at one time, and supplied synthetic oil to the country's armed forces during the Second World War. However, this led to high levels of contamination, which can reach 10 m below ground.

Redevelopment of the site started in the early 1990s but 110 ha remain unoccupied.

Clearing this involves crushing about 300000 tonnes of concrete and separating it from the contaminated soil. Crushing 150 tonnes per hour, Richter has recycled almost 150000 tonnes in four months, while the remaining 150000 tonnes should be processed early this year.