Australian researchers have uncovered a breakthrough that could significantly reduce emissions, cut industrial waste, and redefine how the construction industry sources its core materials. A team led by Dr. Aliakbar Gholampour, a civil and structural engineering expert at Flinders University, has created a highly durable, sustainable concrete using delithiated β-spodumene (DβS)—a waste by-product from lithium refining.
Turning Lithium Waste Into a High-Value Resource
Traditionally discarded in landfills, DβS has now been identified as a promising ingredient in geopolymer concrete. According to Gholampour, this once-ignored waste stream could become a valuable component of greener construction materials.
“By examining the microstructural behaviour of DβS-based geopolymers under different alkaline activator ratios, we’ve gained critical insights into its suitability as a sustainable concrete ingredient,” he said.
A Cleaner Alternative to Conventional Cement
Geopolymer concrete is widely recognized as a more environmentally friendly option compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), the world’s most commonly used construction material. But OPC production—roughly 25 billion tons annually—relies heavily on non-renewable resources and generates about 8% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. It is also linked to roughly half of worldwide landfill waste.
Geopolymer concrete offers a cleaner, lower-emission solution, yet its performance depends on suitable additives. Gholampour’s team set out to test how DβS affects strength, structure, and durability. Their findings were compelling: DβS significantly boosts compressive strength and enhances long-term performance, outperforming fly ash, another industrial by-product often used in geopolymers.
The researchers also identified optimal alkaline ratios needed to integrate DβS effectively. With global lithium refining expected to accelerate due to rising battery demand, this approach offers a timely solution for dealing with increasing volumes of mining waste.
“This method not only improves the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete but also addresses an environmental challenge by diverting DβS away from landfills,” Gholampour noted.
Boosting Circularity in Mining and Construction
Beyond its engineering benefits, the innovation strengthens the push toward a circular economy. Instead of allowing DβS to accumulate in waste sites—where it can contaminate soil or groundwater—it can be transformed into a high-value construction material.
“With lithium refining generating more DβS every year, reusing it in concrete provides a sustainable pathway that minimizes industrial waste, prevents potential contamination, and supports circular economic practices across mining and building sectors,” Gholampour explained.
The team is also exploring advanced tools—including machine learning and 3D printing—to design even smarter, more resilient construction materials using regional industrial by-products.
A Path Toward Greener, Stronger, Smarter Concrete
According to Gholampour, these findings represent a major step toward reducing environmental impact, lowering resource consumption, and improving the performance and reliability of next-generation concrete systems.
As global construction demand continues to surge—and the world seeks lower-carbon materials—transforming lithium waste into durable concrete could become one of the most impactful innovations in sustainable engineering.
