The global shift towards clean energy has significantly increased the demand for lithium, a key component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Australia, with its abundant lithium deposits, has emerged as one of the world’s largest producers of lithium.

The growing interest in the circular economy has led to the emergence of new markets.

Covalent Lithium, in collaboration with Green Deal Alliance (GDA) and Australasian Pozzolan Association (APozA), attended Circular Economy Summit 2024 in Sydney on 28th and 29th February to engage with sustainability, circular economy, procurement and government professionals from multiple industries to discuss around circularity and the journey towards net zero.

A panel discussion, which included Mauricio Olivares – GM technical of Covalent Lithium, Antony Missikos – Chair of Green Deal Alliance, and Craig Heidrich – CEO of Australasian Pozzolan Association shared their journeys on the subject: “The Lithium industry and circular economy – unlocking the potential for Australia’s construction market”.

Left to Right: Craig Heidrich, Mauricio Olivares, Antony Missikos, Anushree Malaviya (panel moderator)

Highlights

• Showcasing the significance of the Lithium sector and emerging Lithium by-product as readily available sustainable quality resources.
• Sharing the current approaches to certify Lithium by-products for suitable applications and progress in standard development to facilitate market adoption.
• Rebrand of Lithium by-product by its categories/applications as:
• Manufactured sand
• Manufactured pozzolan
• Emphasising the need for collaboration to achieve product awareness and market acceptance.

Key Outcomes

• Audience feedback was very positive: speakers were engaging, enjoyed the honesty of pains of product creation/ product adoption, Product Stewardship Scheme and new standards development.
• East coast are not fully aware of the WA lithium industry and its significance. Not aware this product exists and can be used as a replacement to sand and currently used cement materials.
• Industry engagement is pivotal for product adoption.

The summit and panel discussion offered excellent chances to establish connections with key stakeholders, including the EPA, local and state government agencies, the Green Building Council, Sustainability Victoria, and technology firms specialising in circularity.

It was evident that the east coast, where many policy-makers and construction company headquarters are located, lacks awareness of the significance of the WA Lithium industry and its by-products.

It's crucial that the industry collaborates to embrace these products, offer incentives for their adoption, and actively support one another in the decarbonisation of Australia's construction industry and built environment through mutually beneficial strategies.