A recent study has revealed the decarbonisation benefits of Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN) Great White Project's HRM™ refined kaolin as a concrete additive, which boasts reductions in global warming potential (GWP) and costs over traditional concrete.
The study’s results are particularly relevant given the Global Cement and Concrete Association’s (GCCA) commitment to an 11% reduction in GWP by altering clinker and other additives to concrete as part of the association’s 'Road Map to Net Zero 2050'.
“The study shows substantial reductions of over 7% in Global Warming Potential when using Great White HRM in concrete mix designs, highlighting the potential for Great White HRM to provide significant assistance in reducing the carbon footprint of concrete,” Sustainable Future by Design director Niki Jackson said.
“The unique properties of the halloysite-kaolin contained in Andromeda’s product allows for concrete mix designs with reductions in binder and coarser particle size distribution, while also controlling any segregation and excessive bleeding.”
Major opportunity to reduce carbon emission
ADN’s HRM additive reduces GWP for standard concrete mix designs with only 1 kilogram of HRM required per cubic metre of concrete.
The product offers potential cost savings of $2–$3 per cubic metre depending on mix design, with positive effects on concrete handling and performance.
“This study quantifies the carbon reductions possible through using our patent pending Great White HRM™ product in commercial concrete, in addition to providing cost savings and improvements in handling and performance,” Andromeda Metals managing director James Marsh said.
“Concrete is the most used artificial product on the planet and includes cement binder representing 8% of total global carbon emissions.
“Andromeda’s unique product offers an easy solution to reduce this whilst also cutting costs which presents a huge market opportunity for our highest-margin product.
“According to the 'Road Map to Net-zero' published by the Global Cement and Concrete Association, altering the mix design of concrete is expected to contribute 11% of the total CO2 emission reductions.
“Therefore, by reducing the global warming potential in the concrete by over 7%, as found in this study, the use of Great White HRM™ presents a major opportunity for the industry to achieve net-zero by 2050.”
Global demand for ‘green’ cement is currently estimated at US$31.1 billion, expected to grow by 12.3% per annum to reach US$63.3 billion by 2028.