Use of Industrial Tailings as Alternative to Virgin Sands

The Challenge

Western Australia faces a projected shortage of building sand required to meet the needs of future large infrastructure projects. Bulk manufactured sands produced by the state’s mining and refining industry could help to address this need, but WA lacks the regulatory frameworks, standards and guidelines required to support such re-use.

Proposed Solution

This project will evaluate the physical and chemical behaviour of de-lithiated beta-spodumene (DBS) used as an alternative or a supplement to natural sand in imported fill for engineering works on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road. Laboratory analysis, data modelling, and the environmental monitoring of the associated trial plots will be used to inform development of technical criteria for future environmental decision-making on the use of DBS in construction and infrastructure projects.

Proposed Benefits to WA

Validation of DBS as an alternative construction material would benefit Western Australia by: (1) reducing projected shortfalls of building sand available in the state; (2) reducing the cost and environmental impacts of mining and process residue disposal for the lithium mining and refining industry, and; (3) supporting the creation of regional jobs in processing and construction.

Funding DOI

DOI: 10.71342/458714801585