Concrete is the most widely used material on the planet, with over 25 billion tons produced annually, yet its environmental footprint is massive, contributing 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consuming vast non-renewable resources. Researchers in South Australia are tackling this challenge by transforming a byproduct of lithium mining into a solution that strengthens and improves the durability of concrete.
Lithium Mining Waste: A Hidden Resource
Lithium is essential for batteries powering electronics and electric vehicles, but extracting it from hard rock deposits like spodumene ore generates large volumes of waste. Producing one ton of lithium hydroxide monohydrate results in 7–10 tons of delithiated β-spodumene (DβS), a byproduct that historically has been treated as hazardous waste, posing environmental risks.
Flinders University engineers discovered that DβS has pozzolanic properties, meaning it can chemically react to enhance concrete’s strength, reduce permeability, and improve corrosion resistance. By using DβS as a binder in concrete production, mechanical performance and long-term durability can be significantly boosted.
Replacing Fly Ash with DβS for Stronger Concrete
In their study, the researchers replaced fly ash—a coal combustion byproduct used in traditional concrete—with DβS to create a geopolymer paste. Key findings include:
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Replacing 25% of fly ash with DβS increased concrete strength by 34% compared to a mix with 100% fly ash.
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Optimizing the alkaline activating solution ratio boosted strength by 74%.
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After 28 days of curing, the concrete developed a denser, more robust internal structure.
This demonstrates that lithium mining waste can create stronger, more resilient concrete, while simultaneously addressing the environmental challenges of lithium extraction.
Sustainable Construction Benefits
Dr. Aliakbar Gholampur, who led the study published in Materials and Structures, explains:
“Reusing DβS in construction provides a sustainable solution that reduces industrial waste, prevents soil and groundwater contamination, and supports circular economy practices in both mining and building sectors.”
This research builds on Dr. Gholampur’s earlier work, which explored geopolymers reinforced with natural fibers and waste-based sands, creating next-generation concrete with comparable strength and durability to traditional mixes.
A Circular Approach to Industrial Waste
The study highlights how integrating lithium mining byproducts into concrete production can:
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Reduce hazardous waste disposal
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Minimize environmental contamination risks
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Strengthen construction materials while lowering reliance on non-renewable resources
Such innovations support sustainable building practices, circular economy principles, and the growing demand for eco-friendly construction solutions.
The Future of Sustainable Concrete
This approach aligns with broader trends in sustainable materials, including:
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Recycling waste concrete for new construction projects
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Using old concrete in steel-processing furnaces to create zero-carbon cement
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Developing concrete batteries for energy storage applications
By turning lithium mining waste into a valuable construction material, engineers are demonstrating a practical, scalable way to reduce industrial waste while producing superior concrete, paving the way for greener, more sustainable infrastructure worldwide.
