Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Lafarge Canada for the exclusive supply of an aluminosilicate secondary product (ASCR).
Lafarge, Canada’s largest provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions, is acquiring the aluminosilicate produced at Lithium Universe’s Bécancour lithium refinery.
The ASCR material is commonly used as an additive in the cement industry due to its capacity to significantly enhance compressive strength and reduce production costs.
Lithium Universe chair Iggy Tan said the partnership with Lafarge will enhance the North American battery materials supply chain and promote sustainable innovation in Canada’s cement industry.
The two companies are looking to take advantage of the strong growth recorded over recent years by the Canadian cement sector.
Revenue in the Canadian cement and concrete product manufacturing industry reached approximately $12.3 billion in 2021, marking an increase of 14.14% from $10.8b in 2020.
Cement production volumes in the country rose by 6.2% to approximately 13.8 million metric tonnes between 2020 and 2022, with the market estimated at $2.1 billion in 2025.
The company’s ASCR process yields approximately 130,000 tonnes of aluminosilicate by-product annually that it will market as a cement additive.
China’s Jiangsu lithium refinery, which Bécancour is significantly modelled on, has successfully sold ASCR by-product to its local cement industries.
The product – which comprises silica, aluminium oxide and ferric oxide – features a fine particle size and a large specific surface area, enhancing its reactivity and utility in cement production.
Aluminosilicate can improve cement strength and durability by absorbing the calcium hydroxide (commonly known as “slaked lime” or “hydrated lime”) produced during hydration, filling gaps and reducing heat generation.
It also helps resist cracking in large-volume concrete by mitigating temperature-induced stress.
The effectiveness of aluminosilicate in cement is well established, with cement containing 30% aluminosilicate showing a 132% increase in 28-day compressive strength compared to Portland cement.
免責聲明：投資有風險，本文並非投資建議，以上內容不應被視為任何金融產品的購買或出售要約、建議或邀請，作者或其他用戶的任何相關討論、評論或帖子也不應被視為此類內容。本文僅供一般參考，不考慮您的個人投資目標、財務狀況或需求。TTM對信息的準確性和完整性不承擔任何責任或保證，投資者應自行研究並在投資前尋求專業建議。