What if the waste from mining could help build stronger, greener buildings?
Researchers at Flinders University are proving that this isn’t just possible — it could play a major role in the future of construction.
Dr. Aliakbar Gholampour from Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering has been studying a little-known material called delithiated β-spodumene, or DβS.
This material is a by-product of lithium refining, which usually ends up as waste.
Instead of throwing it away, his team discovered that DβS can be used in a special kind of concrete called geopolymer concrete, helping to improve its strength and durability.
DβS has what scientists call “pozzolanic” properties, meaning it reacts with other materials in concrete to create a stronger and more stable structure.
By adjusting the balance of alkaline chemicals used in the mix, the researchers were able to find the best conditions for DβS to bond effectively. This allowed the concrete to perform better over time, even under tough conditions.
This discovery is important because traditional concrete comes with a heavy environmental cost. Every year, about 25 billion metric tons of concrete are used around the world.
Producing it takes up around 30% of the planet’s non-renewable natural resources and is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Large amounts of concrete waste also end up in landfills.
Finding cleaner alternatives is essential if the construction industry is to reduce its environmental impact.
Using DβS in geopolymer concrete offers a smart solution on multiple fronts. It reduces the need for traditional raw materials, diverts mining waste from landfill, and lowers the risk of soil and water contamination.
At the same time, it creates a stronger and more durable building material. It also provides a sustainable alternative to fly ash, a commonly used by-product from coal power plants, which is becoming less available as coal use declines.
These findings are part of a wider research effort by Dr. Gholampour and his international team to transform waste materials into high-performance building products.
In other studies, they have explored the use of industrial slag, recycled sand and fibres in concrete, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to predict strength and durability. They are also developing new materials suited to 3D printing in construction.
Together, this research points toward a future where buildings are made from smarter, cleaner and more sustainable materials.
By turning industrial waste into valuable building components, scientists are helping to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and support a more circular and environmentally responsible construction industry.
Source: Flinders University.
