Closing the loop: How Acu-Tech supports mining with ESG in action
Sustainability is shaping the future of mining — and circular innovation is at the heart of this transition.
Mining companies across Australia are seeking partners who can reduce waste, cut carbon impact and deliver infrastructure solutions that stand the test of time. Acu-Tech Piping Systems has built its ESG strategy around helping its clients achieve exactly that.
“Our ESG commitments are central to how we operate,” says Acu-Tech’s chief executive officer Ivan Morren.
“We do not treat sustainability as an add-on — we design it into our products, services and customer partnerships.”
That commitment comes to life through Pipe-It Forward, Acu-Tech’s flagship recycling initiative. The program collects end-of-life HDPE pipe and offcuts directly from mining sites nationwide. Instead of being sent to a landfill, this material is reprocessed into high-quality non-pressure conduits.
Recycled material is given a valuable second life in non-pressure applications across various industries. These include conduit systems for protecting underground power cables — such as those supplying electricity to residential properties and lighting on airport runways.
It is also widely used in ducting for electrical and communications networks, including extensive deployment across Australia for the National Broadband Network (NBN). In drainage applications, recycled HDPE pipe is commonly used for stormwater channels, subsoil drainage to prevent waterlogging around roads and infrastructure and open-cut trench drainage systems on mine sites and civil projects.
Its durability and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for safely and reliably managing water flow in non-pressure environments. By reserving virgin, certified materials for pressure-rated pipelines, Acu-Tech ensures the highest levels of performance where it matters most. At the same time, recycled HDPE pipe is responsibly repurposed into products that keep essential infrastructure operating and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Acu-Tech chief operating officer Donovan Morren says the process is simple but powerful.
“By transforming old pipe into non-pressure conduits, we keep waste out of landfill and create practical products that continue to serve mining projects, without ever compromising the integrity of pressure-rated systems,” he said.
Where Pipe-It Forward will really add value is in the tracking and reporting Acu-Tech is building for its clients. The program is being designed to provide regular updates on the pipe and offcuts collected and how they are recycled, giving mining companies clear visibility of the sustainability outcomes achieved. These updates will support their ESG reporting and help demonstrate measurable impact to stakeholders.
Pipe-It Forward directly aligns with Acu-Tech’s broader ESG framework. Environmentally, it reduces landfill, supports the circular economy, and lowers Scope 3 emissions. Socially, it engages customers in collective responsibility and pride. From a governance perspective, it adds transparency, traceability and structured reporting to recycling efforts, giving mining companies clear data they can rely on for internal reporting and external communications.
The benefits for customers are equally compelling. Pipe-It Forward is designed to make participation easy and valuable. Mining companies can use the program’s reporting outcomes to strengthen ESG disclosures, tender submissions or certifications. Acu-Tech manages the logistics so pipe can be returned responsibly without adding operational complexity.
Importantly, companies can also showcase their partnership in sustainability alongside Acu-Tech, turning environmental action into a reputational advantage.
Through initiatives like Pipe-It Forward, Acu-Tech is closing the loop for mining. Together with its partners, Acu-Tech is building infrastructure that is not only durable and reliable, but sustainable for generations to come.
Partner with Acu-Tech — build a circular future in mining.
