Lithium Universe signs agreement with Lafarge Canada for aluminosilicate supply

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.

Sustainable innovation

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.

High yield

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.

Improved strength

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.