The Western Australian Government has partnered with industry to research alternative uses for the co-products of lithium processing.
The project focuses on evaluating the potential use of Delithiated Beta Spodumene (DBS), the leach residue produced after lithium refining, as a road-building material.
This collaboration brings together key stakeholders, including the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), Main Roads Western Australia, ChemCentre, and leading lithium processors.
The State Government said this research will provide further insight into DBS’s performance as an alternative to virgin sand, as well as boosting confidence that the material is environmentally safe for use in future infrastructure projects.
The work builds on an existing demonstration of the material used in the Wilman Wadandi Highway (Bunbury Outer Ring Road Project) which was overseen by ChemCentre and MRIWA.
Reece Whitby, Environment Minister, said the state government’s goal is to promote the use of DBS in line with the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.
“This will focus on boosting resource recovery and supporting a circular economy,” said Whitby.
“The outcomes of this project will contribute to a more circular economy, reducing reliance on landfill, cutting carbon emissions and minimising environmental impact.”
David Michael, Mines and Petroleum Minister, said the demand for critical minerals is expected to grow as the global clean energy transition gathers pace.
“Developing innovative, circular economy approaches linked to our mineral resources and their downstream processing will provide great opportunities for the state,” said Michael.
“In a global setting where governments are looking at ways to improve sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and society is demanding clean products, industry is having to work harder than ever to be at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy.
For more information, visit: www.wa.gov.au/
Please link to the press release for this, not just the WA government website
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