New Australian research has highlighted the potential for lithium refining by-products to be repurposed as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), offering opportunities to reduce cement-related emissions while supporting more sustainable resource utilisation across the construction industry.

Published in Scientific Reports in June 2026, the study undertaken by researchers from Macquarie University investigated the use of delithiated beta-spodumene (DBS), a residue generated during lithium processing, as an alternative cementitious material in concrete production.

The research utilised lithium refining residue sourced from Australasian Pozzolan Association (APozA) member Tianqi Group's operations in Western Australia, with the Association helping to facilitate access to the material. This collaboration highlights the important role of industry partnerships in advancing research into emerging pozzolanic materials and exploring new opportunities for the beneficial reuse of industrial by-products in sustainable concrete production.

As Australia's lithium industry continues to develop, the management and beneficial reuse of processing residues presents an opportunity to create value from materials traditionally considered industrial waste. DBS, generated during the extraction of lithium from spodumene, has attracted research interest for its potential to partially replace Portland cement in concrete applications.

The Macquarie University study examined concrete formulations incorporating DBS alongside highly reactive metakaolin and conventional SCMs, investigating how different material combinations influence concrete performance and environmental outcomes. Key considerations included cement replacement levels, compressive strength, workability and embodied carbon.

By exploring the interaction between lithium processing residues and established pozzolanic materials, the research contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the potential for alternative SCMs to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production.

The findings also highlight opportunities to strengthen connections between Australia's mining, mineral processing and construction sectors. Converting lithium refining residues into useful construction materials could support circular economy principles, reduce industrial waste and diversify the domestic supply of cement replacement materials.

For the Australian concrete industry, the development of alternative SCM sources is becoming increasingly important as demand grows for lower-carbon construction products and long-term availability of traditional materials, including fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag, faces potential constraints.

While further investigation and industry validation are required before lithium-derived materials can achieve widespread commercial adoption, the study represents an important contribution to understanding their potential role in sustainable concrete production.

Through its involvement in facilitating access to research materials, APozA continues to support collaboration between industry and academia, helping advance knowledge of emerging pozzolanic materials and their potential applications across Australia's construction sector.

Source: Scientific Reports – Macquarie University Research (June 2026)