Alberta's Energy Transition: Recycling A Coal Mine Into Cash

Alberta is shifting. The legacy of oil, gas, and coal has begun to make way for more renewable energy. In 2023 alone, Alberta added over 500 megawatts of solar power capacity, making it the largest producer of solar energy in Canada.

With this growing focus on renewable energy, aging facilities like coal mines are being phased out, but that doesn’t mean they need to be left as relics of the past. Through mine reclamation, dismantling, and recycling, valuable materials can be recovered to generate revenue while reducing environmental impact.

Recently, Richmond Steel applied their 50 years of expertise to a decommissioned coal mine in Alberta, transforming an industrial liability into a source of cash.

How to Turn a Coal Mine Into Cash

tearing down mine structures

Mine reclamation isn’t just about tearing down structures; it’s a strategic process that requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and a commitment to safety and the environment.

At the Alberta site, Richmond Steel was able to recover 100% of the steel from buildings and process machinery—over 7500 metric tons. Not to mention several large transformers, motors, gearboxes, and pumps for resale. 

Navigating Structural and Environmental Challenges

The mine reclamation at the Alberta site was no ordinary teardown. Richmond Steel faced multiple challenges across a large and complex site, which included three major structures: a coal wash plant, a coal dryer plant, and an electrostatic precipitator building. Additionally, two towering stacks were brought down as part of the project. 

Each structure presented unique logistical, structural, and environmental hurdles that required Richmond Steel’s specialized expertise to overcome:

mine reclamation in Alberta

Tackling Extreme Heights

The buildings on site, some reaching 110 feet, required specialized equipment to ensure safe demolition. Richmond Steel used an ultra-high reach demolition shear, along with cables, to pull down the roof in a controlled manner. 

Protecting Adjacent Structures

An admin and lab building attached to the wash plant needed to remain standing throughout the process. To ensure its integrity, Richmond Steel collaborated with a structural engineer who identified safe cut points, allowing for the wash plant’s demolition without compromising the stability of the adjacent building.

Working Around Structural Limitations

The dryer building’s basement added another layer of complexity. Due to the risk of equipment falling through the floor slab, Richmond Steel couldn’t operate machinery directly on the floor. Instead, they used a high-reach excavator from the outside, dismantling the building from the perimeter inward to safely complete the demolition.

Managing Environmental Risks

The building’s glass-fiber insulation posed a risk of spreading debris into nearby rivers and trees. Richmond Steel addressed this by placing insulation in covered waste bins immediately upon removal and installing a snow fence around the site to capture any stray material. This approach minimized the environmental impact of the project.

Safely Lowering Heavy Machinery

Richmond Steel also faced the challenge of handling large machinery located on the upper floors. Using torch cutting, the team made strategic cuts to weaken key points, then safely lowered the equipment to the ground using cables and excavators. This careful approach eliminated risk to personnel and ensured the machinery was safely recovered.

Efficient Logistics and Cleanup

Richmond Steel began by using demo grapples to remove and bale building cladding on-site, reducing transportation costs. 

Large coal processing machines were safely dropped using strategic cuts and cables. They were then downsized with torch cutters and trucked to Richmond Steel’s Edmonton rail siding for direct shipment to a Seattle steel mill.

For the final cleanup, the team used large magnets, a skid steer with landscaping screens, and manual labor to prepare the site for land reclamation as part of the broader mine reclamation process

Conclusion 

demolition crew on site

Through comprehensive mine reclamation, Richmond Steel turned a decommissioned coal mine in Alberta into profit, recovering over 7,500 metric tons of steel and valuable equipment—all while upholding safety and environmental care.

As Alberta continues to transition to renewables, Richmond Steel continues to help clients unlock value from their legacy sites.

If you have a coal mine, oil & gas site, or other facility for demolition, contact Richmond Steel to turn your assets into cash today.

How a Dragline Excavator in Northern Alberta Was Safely Demolished

Demolishing heavy machinery like a dragline excavator is no small feat. These massive pieces of equipment are critical in civil engineering and surface mining, particularly in regions like Northern Alberta. 

Richmond Steel’s Field Services Team, where over 50 years of experience in metal recycling meets demolition, recently took on the challenge of safely dismantling and recycling a dragline excavator. Here's how we did it.

Understanding the Scope: What Is a Dragline Excavator?

A dragline excavator is a colossal machine used for digging and relocating massive amounts of material, mainly in mining. These machines can weigh up to 13,000 tons and stand as tall as a 20-story building, with booms that extend over 300 feet. For perspective, that’s roughly the equivalent of 10 school buses lined up end-to-end.

Their sheer size and complexity make it challenging to dismantle them safely. These machines are not easily relocated; they are often built on-site due to their weight and scale and need to be strategically dismantled at the end of their life.

The Challenges of Heavy Equipment Demolition

When dealing with obsolete machinery like dragline excavators, there are several challenges:

challenges of dragline demolition

The Challenges of Demolishing the Northern Alberta Dragline 

A successful demolition relies on careful planning and preparation, evaluating every aspect of the project to ensure safety, efficiency, and maximum material recovery for our client.

Lowering the Boom — A Money Saving Discovery

The dragline’s 400 foot long boom was a major focus during the demolition. Blasting is sometimes used to bring down large structures like this, but it can leave the steel unstable, create safety risks, and slow down the process.

By carefully studying the dragline’s manual, our team found a built-in winch designed to lower the boom safely. After connecting local power, we were able to lower the boom in just three hours, avoiding the risks of blasting.

While using a crane was an alternative, it would have been far more costly for the client. A thorough evaluation allowed us to deliver a safe and cost-effective solution, saving the client significant expenses.

Grease and Hazardous Materials

The dragline’s gears had accumulated a large amount of grease over the years, which posed a significant fire hazard during torch cutting. 

To mitigate this, the team thoroughly steam-cleaned the machine before beginning the cutting process. Additionally, all hydraulic systems were purged, oil tanks pumped, and fire response systems decommissioned.

Asbestos and Wildlife Considerations

Asbestos tiles in the control cabin required removal prior to demolition. Moreover, the machine had become a nesting ground for barn swallows, which led to project delays during the nesting period to ensure compliance with environmental protections.

Step-by-Step Demolition Process

STEP 1: Site Preparation and Safety Protocols

The site was secured with exclusion zones and safety barriers to protect workers and the surrounding areas, ensuring safety remained the top priority throughout the operation.

STEP 2: Hazardous Material Removal

Hydraulic fluids, oils, grease, and other hazardous materials were carefully removed using specialized methods, ensuring no environmental contamination occurred.

STEP 3: Segmentation

The dragline was systematically deconstructed, piece by piece. The superstructure and walls were cut using an excavator-mounted shear, while the floor and base were torch cut, ensuring an efficient and controlled dismantling process.

STEP 4: Metal Recovery

Approximately 3,500 metric tons of ferrous material was recovered from the dragline. Non-ferrous materials and some resale components, such as motors and hydraulic parts, were also salvaged, maximizing the value recovered from the project.

STEP 5: Transportation and Environmental Mitigation

Thanks to Richmond Steel’s proximity to a rail siding, materials were transported via truck to the nearby railcars and shipped to our mill in Seattle. All remaining hazardous materials were disposed of following strict environmental protocols.

Dragline Excavator in Northern Alberta

Significant Metal Recovery: Offsetting Demolition Costs

Richmond Steel’s meticulous process ensured that no valuable recyclable metal was left behind. 

Through careful sorting and recovery, the team maximized the amount of reusable and recyclable material, offsetting the overall costs of the project and ensuring clients receive the most value from their equipment’s end-of-life recycling.

Conclusion: Let Us Handle Your Demolition

Demolishing heavy machinery like dragline excavators requires experience, planning, and precision. Richmond Steel’s expertise in scrapping machinery and heavy equipment recycling ensures that every step—from planning to execution—maximizes safety and value recovery.If you have heavy equipment in need of safe, efficient demolition, contact Richmond Steel’s Demolition Team today for a quote and let our experienced team handle the process for you.

Lead Paint Removal: Our Hazardous Waste Disposal & Abatement Process During Demolition

If you lived in the 1800’s, there’s a good chance your bedroom wallpaper would have contained arsenic. Those toxic ink particles and vapors would lazily float through the air, and slowly accumulate inside your body. It wouldn’t have been long before you joined the growing list of mysterious illnesses being reported.

Thankfully, we’ve learnt a lot since then about protecting our health and wellness. People no longer give whiskey to teething babies. Buildings aren’t insulated with asbestos. And lead isn’t used in makeup or paint anymore. 

Even though these practices are extinct, these hazardous materials often rear their ugly heads during industrial demolition. 

Lead paint is often discovered during the early phases of our demolition projects. Since the product wasn’t phased out until the 1970s, many power plants, mills, mines and other industrial buildings from before that period are likely to require lead abatement procedures.

It’s surprising that it took us that long to rid ourselves of lead-based paint. The CDC reports that “between 1925 and 1927, more commercial painters died from lead poisoning than all other occupational groups combined.” Even despite those risks, painters at the time still chose lead-based paint since it was considered vastly superior. 

This article explores some important information on lead-based paint, and how we at Richmond Steel Demolition Services safely remove and dispose of it.

What Are The Dangers of Lead Paint?

Most people know that lead-based paint is dangerous, but not many people are aware of all the associated risks. Consider this excerpt from the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety:

Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: VERY TOXIC. Can cause permanent damage to the nervous system. Symptoms may include restlessness, reduced ability to think, muscle tremors, memory loss and personality changes. In severe cases, symptoms may include muscle weakness, loss of feeling or prickly sensation in the hands, feet, arms or legs, clumsiness and paralysis. Can cause permanent damage to the kidneys. In severe cases, symptoms may include fatigue, increased or decreased urination, nausea, and vomiting. May harm the blood. In severe cases, symptoms may include paleness, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath and headache. 

The list of concerns doesn’t stop there. Here are just a few of the other potential risks:

While there are government set permissible limits for lead exposure, every effort should be made to minimize contact—especially for demolition crews.

Dump truck and excavator working on demolition site

Why In The World Were Lead-Based Paints Ever Used?!

After reading that laundry list of risks and health concerns, you’re probably asking: “why was lead paint ever used?” Before all of the negative side-effects became apparent, lead paint did offer several key advantages that made it popular at the time.  

Mold and Mildew Resistance: Lead has antimicrobial properties that helped prevent mold and mildew growth on painted surfaces.

Could There Be Lead Paint On My Site?

Earlier, we mentioned the phasing out of lead-based paints began in the 1970’s in Canada. This phasing-out process however took several decades. 

In Canada, it took until the 1990s for regulations to begin applying limits on lead usage in commercial and industrial paint applications. Finally, in the early 2000s, comprehensive regulations effectively banned lead in all paints (although specific industrial uses had longer timelines, but have since transitioned to safer alternatives).

Buildings constructed before the mid-nineteen seventies are more likely to have lead-based paint. With older buildings, the likelihood is often higher. 

Lead-based paints often come with some telltale signs to watch out for: 

The most reliable way to determine if your building has lead paint is through professional testing. Methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can be used, which can detect lead without disturbing surfaces. Alternatively, paint chip sampling, where small paint samples are analyzed in a lab for lead content, can also be a reliable indicator.

At Richmond Steel, our personal experience in demolitions has shown us that old mines, mills, oil & gas, and power facilities are often likely to contain lead paint.

High reach shear demolishing an industrial building

Overview of the Lead Paint Removal Process: Lead Abatement

Lead abatement during the demolition of a building involves several critical steps to ensure the safe removal and handling of lead-containing materials. 

The process begins with assessment and planning, identifying areas with lead-based paint and assessing the risk. Containment areas can be set up to prevent the spread of lead dust and debris; while workers are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow our standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

One of our key practices is avoiding blasting techniques, which can disperse lead dust into the air. Instead, our crews meticulously tear down structures, using precision and care. The use of shears helps to carefully tear apart materials while minimizing direct contact and reducing the risk of lead exposure.

Safety Measures: Protecting Our Crews from Lead Paint Exposure

Considering the many health hazards of lead paint, Richmond Steel has strict procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of our crew during lead abatement. While on site, everyone is required to follow our comprehensive written guidelines and standard operating procedures at all times.

To further protect our crews, we equip them with Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR) when necessary, ensuring they have the highest level of respiratory protection. Regular blood monitoring is also conducted to track lead levels in our employees, allowing us to take immediate action if elevated levels are detected.

These are just some of the crucial safety measures used in maintaining a safe working environment and safeguarding crews as they handle lead-based materials.

Lead Paint, Our Hazardous Waste Disposal Process

Once materials are carefully removed, they are sent to our integrated mill, which is equipped to process lead-contaminated scrap metal.

At the mill, lead-contaminated materials are processed, and any lead paint on steel is burned and captured off during the melting process. Our facility features a 'baghouse' system with scrubbers that capture fumes and lead particulates released during melting. This advanced filtration system ensures that harmful lead particles do not enter the atmosphere, safely containing and managing the lead residue.

This thorough disposal process ensures that lead paint is managed responsibly, protecting both our workers and the environment from potential lead contamination.

Conclusion

Times have changed. Wallpaper might not contain arsenic these days, but there is still a large amount of lead paint to be found—especially in older industrial sites. 

At Richmond Steel, our lead abatement process handles this hazardous waste disposal in a way that protects people, and our environment. If you have a demolition or material recovery project that could contain lead paint, it’s important to follow the proper procedures. Talk to our demolition specialists today and learn how Richmond Steel’s Demolition Services can guide you through the process safely and efficiently.

The ever changing field of metal recycling : A conversation with industry expert - Richmond Steel Recycling’s President - Harbinder Dhillon

In today’s modern world, industries must adopt new technologies and practices to ensure they are able to remain competitive and relevant. Although the metal recycling industry is one that operates on a lot of the traditional practices, it too has had to modernize. In this blog, we had the opportunity to sit down with Harbinder Dhillon, president of Richmond Steel Recycling (RSR). RSR’s business involves a range of services aimed at collecting, processing, and selling scrap metal for reuse in manufacturing or other applications. Having been with RSR, which started in 1972, for over 30 years, Harbinder has seen the industry change dramatically. Recycling as a whole wasn’t on most people’s radars until about the mid-20th century, this is when environmental awareness and resource conservation efforts spurred increased interest in recycling, leading to the industry's initial mainstream recognition. Technological advancements in sorting and processing techniques during the 1980s and 1990s further streamlined operations, making metal recycling more efficient and contributing to its widespread adoption as a crucial component of sustainable waste management. Today, the industry continues to evolve with innovations in recycling technologies, regulations, and a growing global emphasis on circular economy principles. RSR and its president, Harbinder Dhillon, try to ensure they stay at the forefront of the industry leading in safety, innovation, the environment and empowering their team members.

Another day, another challenge.

Embarking on a career in the metal recycling industry brings an exhilarating sense of dynamism and adaptability. The excitement lies in navigating the ever-changing commodities markets and staying ahead of evolving competition. This dynamic environment ensures that every day in the metal recycling industry is filled with challenges and opportunities, making it a thrilling and dynamic field to be a part of.

We asked: What is exciting about working in the metal recycling industry?

Harbinder shared: The commodities markets are always changing, and competition is ever evolving requiring a person to be dynamic.  Change is being caused by all stakeholders and product to be recycled.

We asked: What has changed the most in the metal recycling industry over the past 5-10 years?

Harbinder shared: The biggest change has come from the industry’s ability to attract top talent. As more talent enters the industry, transformation of the industry accelerates.

The history and value of the industry

Scrap metal recycling involves collecting and processing discarded metals like steel, aluminium, copper, and brass to create new materials. The process begins with the collection of metal items from diverse sources, followed by sorting and processing to remove impurities. This may include shredding or melting, depending on the metal type. The recycled metal finds new life in products such as cars, appliances, construction materials, and packaging, fostering a closed-loop system that reduces the demand for virgin materials. Overall, scrap metal recycling is a pivotal practice in extending material lifespan and reducing the environmental impact of metal production, contributing to a more resource-efficient and eco-conscious industrial landscape.

We asked: What is unique about working in the metal recycling industry?

Harbinder shared: Although metal recycling has been going on for a long time, recent change has happened suddenly. This change is quickly reshaping the industry and its potential.

We asked: What is something that most people don’t know about metal recycling or recycling in general?

Harbinder shared: I think the sheer size and role the metal recycling industry plays in everyone's life is not well understood.  

A deeper understanding and appreciation of the industry. New vs. old.

As stated before, the metal recycling industry is one that has seemed paused in time for certain aspects of the business. This does not mean that businesses and employees were not evolving and improving, but that the traditional practices still had value. RSR prides itself on being a leader in safety, using technology to improve metal recycling processes, and investing in environmental practices, while still taking time to keep the more traditional ways of doing business alive. Visiting client’s, listening to their unique stories and learning from them is something that a lot of companies don’t make the time for, but the relationships that RSR builds with its clients and stakeholders is important to them. As time goes on, RSR hopes to continue to invest in its employees, technologies and the environment to create a beautiful blend between the classic and modern, leading to a sustainable, timeless business.

We asked: What are the biggest challenges facing the metal recycling industry?

Harbinder shared: As some legendary talent retires out of the industry, replacing that talent with employees who are motivated and have the same work ethic will be challenging.

We asked: How does RSR leverage data and analytics to improve operations?

Harbinder shared: RSR uses a host of data collection and analytic tools in assisting decision making. Decisions are data driven rather than based on opinion.

Onwards & upwards: Metal recycling won’t stop, but we must evolve

Having now determined that metal recycling is an essential, sustainable and highly eco-friendly practice that the average consumer should be aware of - it is important to Harbinder that RSR looks ahead and sees what still needs to improve. RSR continues to invest in all aspects of its business to remain competitive and ensure they are bringing their client’s the best metal recycling has to offer. Operating in a commodities market is a challenge within itself, so being able to really prioritize the things at the center of the scrap metal recycling business such as safety, the RSR team, the environment, the communities in which they operate and of course, their clients, is impressive to say the least.

We asked: What upcoming trends do you foresee having a big impact on the metal recycling industry?

Harbinder shared: I think the social licence to operate will dictate which operators remain in business.  Stakeholders will not support old operating practices.

We asked: What is your vision for the future of Richmond Steel Recycling and the metal recycling industry as a whole?

Harbinder shared: For RSR it is to be the most trending setting operator in the industry.  For the industry it is for it to have an image that is in line with current times.

We asked: What makes RSR stand out as an industry leader?

Harbinder shared: RSR is an amazing company for it’s size and that all has to do with the talented people who work as a team to make this happen.  

We asked: What technologies has RSR invested in to improve operations?

Harbinder shared: Recently RSR has invested in multiple technologies including metal separation, radiation scanning and storm water treatment. 

After having the opportunity to sit with Harbinder, there is a feeling of deeper understanding and appreciation for the scrap metal industry and Richmond Steel Recycling. This is a company that backs up the talk with their business practices and provides an essential service to the communities it operates in and around. With RSR, there is no corner cutting or shady deals, they pride themselves on being ethical. Having the opportunity to serve Western Canada, Washington state and Alaska is viewed as their pleasure and they look forward to improving their business so they can better serve their clients, industry partners and the environment. The biggest takeaways from this are:

Safety: The forefront of RSRs business, making sure their employees, industry partners and customers are safe on all of their sites. Without safety, there cannot be any recycling, the risk is too great to humans and the environment.

Innovation: Although Harbinder has been in the industry for three decades, he recognizes the importance of investing in technologies, processes and team members in order to keep the business moving into the future. Being a changemaker, envelope pusher and sometimes the odd one out is OK to RSR as long as it rings true to their core business values.

The work: What must continue regardless of societies trends, regulations, the economy and well, anything really. Since metal recycling is one of the more environmentally friendly resources to reuse it is essential that the average consumer learns that metal recycling, on the smallest level, makes a long term difference to the environment.

The environment: Of course, what really matters to the Richmond Steel RECYCLING. Before it was a buzzword - it was and is the core of the business. From decommissioning huge industrial sites to recycling cars and old appliances, Richmond Steel Recycling Ltd. continues to focus on enhancing their business practices to better serve their customers, communities in which they operate and Mother Earth at large.
Read and learn more about Richmond Steel Recycling at their website or youtube channel.

Unveiling the World of Industrial Demolition: An Interview with Sebastien Rosner, VP, and GM of Richmond Steel Recycling

The industrial demolition industry is a captivating realm, filled with thrills, challenges, and remarkable transformations. Richmond Steel Recycling (RSR), a prominent name in this dynamic field, stands out for its unwavering dedication to safety and sustainability. Unknown to many, RSR has its own Field Services division, which focuses on industrial decommissioning & demolishing, on-site torching, shearing, bin services and asset management services. In this blog, we embark on a journey to learn more about industrial demolition as we chat with Sebastien Rosner, RSR's Vice President, and General Manager. Together, we'll explore the different facets of this industry, the unique hurdles it presents, and the profound changes it has undergone over the past decade.

The Thrill of Industrial Demolition:

Industrial demolition is not merely about dismantling structures; it's about breathing new life into the past and paving the way for a sustainable future. RSR's commitment to recycling structures and machines, while safeguarding the environment, is truly inspiring. The RSR team takes immense pride in their role, recycling oil, gas, and mining infrastructure, and contributing to the circular economy.

Sebastien on the Excitement of Industrial Demolition:

Sebastien shares his perspective, "We are helping mining, oil and gas, and forestry companies to realize the terminal value of their obsolete equipment, while ensuring no environmental liability is left in the field. Our safety-first approach ensures these structures and machines are properly recycled into new commodities and find a new useful life. There is no reason to let an old dragline or building rust on a mine site at the end of its life when its raw material can be cost-effectively transformed into new steel. What personally excites me about this work is the intellectual challenge it presents. Each job is like a puzzle, requiring a unique solution. The variables at play—be it the material of the structure, environmental conditions, or even local regulations—make sure that no two jobs are the same. This diversity keeps me engaged and committed to finding the safest and most efficient solutions for each project."

The Unique Challenges:

Effective and safe demolition isn't just about picking up heavy equipment and tearing things down; it requires meticulous planning. RSR places safety at the forefront of every project, prioritizing risk mitigation at every stage. They ensure that each of their projects has a dedicated project manager to ensure smooth sailing every step of the way.

Sebastien on the Unique Challenges:

Sebastien emphasizes, "Before a piece of equipment or a building can be safely dismantled, an extensive amount of planning is required. At Richmond Steel Recycling, we prioritize risk mitigation at every stage of a project. Cutting large, heavy steel structures that are suspended 20 to 30 meters in the air is not just about using heavy machinery; it requires a nuanced understanding of physics and gravity. We also take into account environmental factors like wind speed and the integrity of the whole assembly. By making a few strategic cuts, we can bring down a structure in a controlled manner, ensuring the safety of our team and the surrounding environment."

Industry Evolution Over the Last Decade:

Like all industries, change is inevitable. A common joke in the scrap metal industry is that we like things done the way they have been done historically. Recently however, even the scrap industry has evolved with the times.

Sebastien on the Industry Evolution:

"Concepts like Lean Demolition—an adaptation of Lean Manufacturing to demolition—and Theory of Constraints (TOC) have now become integral to the project planning and delivery process, ensuring that execution costs are minimized and project velocity is maximized. Being both safe AND efficient is crucial to a successful demolition project. The industry has become more professional, and Richmond Steel Recycling continues to lead the way in all elements of professionalism and risk management."

Upcoming Trends in Industrial Demolition:

The world is increasingly focused on environmental responsibility and carbon emissions reduction. Although it has become a more recent initiative for some industries, RSR and the scrap metal recycling industry at large have held that ideology at the centre of our businesses since the beginning. Nevertheless, the industry remains mindful that its processes also generate emissions, making it vital to understand and improve this environmental balance, as well as constantly invest in new technologies and education to further enhance our understanding and positive impact on the environment.

Sebastien on Upcoming Trends:

Sebastien notes, "Our clients are increasingly interested in understanding the carbon emission savings generated by the demolition process. Many have pledged to become carbon-neutral by a specific date and will expect their contractors, including us, to contribute to this goal. By recycling steel (and other materials) and offsetting the need for new iron ore, our scrap recovered material provides a net environmental benefit in terms of CO2 emissions. However, we are mindful that our processes also generate emissions. Understanding this net balance and focusing on improving it is an area of work that will continue to grow in importance."

RSR's Vision for the Future:

As mining, oil, and gas industries evolve to reduce their environmental impact, RSR envisions itself as a partner in managing the complete process for their clients.

Sebastien on RSR's Vision:

Sebastien elaborates, "The mining, oil, and gas industries are transforming and adapting rapidly. As they retool their processes in their journey to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact, they also want to address the legacy processes still on their books. We are here as a partner to support their efforts and manage the end-of-life cycle of their old assets. Whether through the resale of components or the recycling of steel and non-ferrous materials, our services help them meet their pledges."

RSR's Commitment to Safety and Efficiency:

What sets RSR apart as an industry leader is their steadfast commitment to safety. Their team of field service experts work tirelessly to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, transparency and environmental awareness.

Sebastien on RSR's Commitment to Safety and Efficiency:

Sebastien highlights, "Richmond Steel Recycling maintains an unwavering commitment to safety in the field while focusing on efficient processes. Demolition can be a hazardous activity if not executed properly. We work diligently at every step to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring safe project delivery. Each day is collaboratively planned by the team to ensure everyone is clear on potential risks and knows how to address them."

Investment in Fire Prevention Technology:

In a world where forest fires are becoming more prevalent in Western Canada, fire prevention has become a top priority for companies operating in the region. RSR understands the importance of proactive fire prevention in their field operations.

Sebastien on Fire Prevention Technology:

Sebastien explains, "Forest fires are increasingly making headlines in Western Canada. Given that we cut metal in the field, Richmond Steel Recycling places a strong emphasis on fire prevention. Our crews are not only trained to combat incipient fires but are also equipped with the proper technology to be ready to respond. Through our fire watch program, we ensure that we are not the cause of large forest fires when doing our work."

Leveraging Data and Analytics for Improvement:

In the dynamic world of demolition and recycling, the power of data and analytics is revolutionizing how companies operate. By tracking and analyzing activities, measuring tonnage production rates, and implementing continuous improvement methodologies, Sebastien's industrial demolition and field services division is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also fine-tuning their quotation process with the insights derived from activity-based costing.

Sebastien on Data and Analytics:

Sebastien details, "Our demolition business uses data analytics to track activities and measure tonnage produced per hour for each of our processes—be it demolition, processing, loading, or transportation. Armed with this data, we focus intently on eliminating waste and bottlenecks in our production flow through continuous improvement methodologies. Additionally, we utilize activity-based costing, which informs our quotation process."

With the help of our industry expert, Sebastien Rosner, we've embarked on a riveting journey through the industrial demolition industry, uncovering its challenges, evolution, and promising future. We've gained unique insights into Richmond Steel Recycling's commitment to safety, sustainability, and efficiency, as well as their visionary approach to the changing landscape of industrial demolition. Be sure to check out everything RSR Field Services has to offer online or give us a call today to keep the conversation going 604-657-1003.