The Western Australian Government is eager to investigate potential uses for the byproducts of manufacturing lithium.
The State Government will work with businesses and industry associations to assess the feasibility of using delithiated beta spodumene (DBS), a byproduct of processing lithium ore, as a material for road construction.
This study will determine whether the material is environmentally safe for use in upcoming infrastructure projects by evaluating its performance as a virgin sand substitute.
In order to fulfil future demand, it will be essential to investigate new vital mineral prospects, according to WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael.
“Developing innovative, circular economy approaches linked to our mineral resources and their downstream processing presents great opportunities for the state, as the demand for critical minerals is expected to increase as the global clean energy transition picks up speed.”
Industry must put in more effort than ever before to lead the way in sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy in a global context where governments are searching for solutions to increase sustainability and lower greenhouse gas emissions and society is demanding clean products.
The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) and ChemCentre oversaw an earlier demonstration of the material on the Wilman Wadandi Highway, which is expanded upon in this work.
According to WA environment minister Reece Whitby, “the objective of this initiative is to encourage the use of DBS in accordance with the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030, with a focus on enhancing resource recovery and supporting a circular economy.”
“The project’s results will help create a more circular economy by decreasing the need for landfills, lowering carbon emissions, and lessening the impact on the environment.”
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, MRIWA, Main Roads Western Australia, ChemCentre, and top lithium processors in the state are among the initiative’s key stakeholders.
source: Australia Mining
