When Tammy O'Connor reflects on her journey with King Kira Group (KKG), she sees a path defined by innovation, determination, and a commitment to addressing environmental challenges. Her latest venture, Upcycle Tyre Services, is a groundbreaking collaboration with Carroll Engineering, combining Indigenous leadership with cutting-edge recycling technology to create solutions that resonate far beyond the mining sector.

Tammy's vision for Upcycle began with a simple but powerful goal: limit toxic waste in mining landfills. "I've spent 10 years understanding waste—what's being buried onsite and what could be reused," Tammy explains. "Rather than letting that waste sit underground, we wanted to create social value—using recycled materials to build playgrounds, infrastructure, and more."

Her commitment to sustainability led Tammy to explore tyre recycling on an international scale, traveling to China to study equipment and markets. Conversations with MinRes connected her with Mick Carroll of Carroll Engineering, whose Queensland-based facility was already delivering tyre recycling services. After visiting Mick's operations, Tammy knew they shared the same values. "We both wanted to stop landfill waste and create solutions that benefit mining companies, communities, and the environment," she says.

This alignment of purpose led to the formation of Upcycle Tyre Services, a joint venture designed to revolutionise how the mining sector manages end-of-life (EOL) tyres. At the heart of their partnership is an "old for new" model. Upcycle supplies pre-mounted tyre and wheel assemblies directly to mining sites while backloading EOL tyres for recycling. Tammy explains, "This approach reduces environmental impact and increases efficiency while minimizing on-site risks. It's a win for sustainability, safety, and cost."

MinRes has been a key supporter of this initiative, awarding Upcycle a five-year, $1 million annual contract for the Onslow Iron Project. MinRes General Manager Environment and Heritage, Celine Mangan, praised the partnership: "We are thrilled to partner with Upcycle Tyre Services, a majority-owned Indigenous business, on this recycling initiative. By recycling our haulage truck tyres, we are taking a significant step towards reducing our environmental footprint."

The Naval Base facility in Western Australia is central to Upcycle's operations, enabling the business to streamline logistics while reducing freight costs. Looking ahead, Tammy is focused on expanding the company's capacity to support MinRes and exploring innovative waste management practices that could be adopted across industries.

As an Indigenous-led venture, Upcycle also prioritizes creating opportunities for First Nations communities. The company has already provided local roles for two former FIFO workers, enabling them to balance work and family life. "This is about more than recycling tyres," Tammy emphasizes. "It's about building capacity, providing employment, and creating a legacy for Indigenous businesses."

Tammy's long-term vision for Upcycle is ambitious but grounded in her commitment to sustainability.

"We want to lead the way in tyre recycling across Western Australia while influencing the broader waste management industry. Our technology and innovation can create sustainable outcomes that have real environmental and financial benefits," she says.

For Tammy, Upcycle is not just a business—it's a personal mission. "Burying waste is cost-effective, so it's what most companies do. But we need to think about the future. The waste being buried now will have to be dug up later for rehabilitation. Why not create solutions today that benefit everyone—mining companies, communities, and the planet?"

With her leadership, Upcycle Tyre Services is proving that sustainability and Indigenous empowerment go hand in hand, setting a new benchmark for innovation and collaboration in the mining industry.