The Western Australian Government is partnering with industry to research alternative uses for the co-products of lithium processing.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is joining forces with the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), Main Roads Western Australia, ChemCentre, and leading lithium processors, with the aim of shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure.
The project focuses on evaluating the potential use of Delithiated Beta Spodumene (DBS), a co-product of processing lithium ore, as a road-building material, and will provide further insight into the material’s performance as an alternative to virgin sand, as well as boosting confidence that it is environmentally safe for use in future infrastructure projects.
“Through this initiative, our goal is to promote the use of DBS in line with the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030, focusing on boosting resource recovery and supporting a circular economy,” WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby said.
“The outcomes of this project will contribute to a more circular economy, reducing reliance on landfill, cutting carbon emissions and minimising environmental impact.”
The work builds on an existing demonstration of the material in the Wilman Wadandi Highway (Bunbury outer ring road project) which was similarly overseen by ChemCentre and MRIWA.
“With demand for critical minerals 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 provides great opportunities for the state,” Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said.
“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.”
