Mining PPE’s second life

Creative recycling with a social purpose

ReMade began at Diavik, where the team engaged a top designer to reimagine rugged mining workwear into globally appealing accessories.

They were challenged to create designs that reused as much material as possible – from sleeves and shirt fronts to hi-vis strips and zips – and ranged in complexity, making them accessible for both beginners and highly skilled artisans.

Signature pieces like tote and pocket bags set the foundation, with additional accessories co-created alongside local communities.

“Solutions always lie in teamwork and in forging alliances – in this case, an unlikely one between heavy industry and visionaries from fashion and design,” Marion, an Ethical Fashion Consultant at ReMade, said.

At Diavik, to generate excitement and participation, a ballgown – made of the last PPE from the now closed Argyle diamond mine – appeared next to a ReMade collection bin.

This drew attention to the new system in place at Diavik, which facilitates collection of worn-out coveralls, shirts and high-vis vests, onsite. These are then sorted and sent to Yellowknife for their second act. Through this system, more than one tonne of used PPE has already been diverted from landfill.

But ReMade is about more than intercepting waste. The initiative is also creating real opportunities for local Indigenous artisans. Partnering with the Native Women's Association of the NWT (Northwest Territories), is helping train support women and gender-diverse artisans to craft ReMade accessories.

“The Native Women’s Association of the NWT is honored to partner with Rio Tinto on ReMade,” Agatha Laboucan, Executive Director of the Native Women’s Association-Northwest Territories of Canada, said.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to incorporate the talents of seamstresses from across the Northwest Territories, showcasing their beautifully made items that will be used during the closure of the mine and internationally.

“This project is not only a reflection of our collective craftsmanship but also a celebration of the skilled women throughout the NWT whose work represents resilience, resourcefulness, and pride in our communities.

“We are excited to see the positive impact and recognition this project will bring to Indigenous women artists and makers across the region.”

These unique pieces will reflect both the rugged history of the mining industry and the heritage and creativity of those who make them.

Diavik’s unique collection of accessories will become available as the prestige diamond mine heads towards closure.

Expanding ReMade to global locations

Half a world away, ReMade is also getting started at Oyu Tolgoi, one of the world’s largest copper mines. While the scale at Oyu Tolgoi is far greater, the goals remain the same – reduce waste, engage employees and support local craftspeople.

ReMade’s Mongolian team is designing livestock items like goat coats, animal birthing bags, and blankets for camel calves to support nomadic herder communities facing increasingly harsh climate extremes.

Workwear at Oyu Tolgoi is produced locally in Khanbogd, and many of the artisans who will create ReMade pieces are already skilled tailors in the area.

“I am excited to see this project progressing, engaging community members and teams to tackle textile waste which would otherwise go to landfill,” Sinead Kaufman, Chief Executive of Minerals and sponsor of ReMade, said.

ReMade does not aim to make profits. Instead, the initiative aims to create value by creating social benefit while reducing textile waste. ReMade ensures artisans are fairly paid creative collaborators, and then stores and distributes their product as high-value gifts, tokens of recognition and legacy items.

While ReMade isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s designed to be adaptable. As insights and data accumulate from both pilot sites, the next step is scaling responsibly.

And accessories are just one step on ReMade’s journey towards reducing PPE waste.

“We know making accessories out of the large tonnage of textile waste is not the complete answer,” Sinead said.

“But it’s one part of solving the challenge of reducing the impact of textile waste on the environment – and we’re working with the best scientific minds to find new and possibly unexpected solutions for the future.”