Lithium Universe Ltd has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lafarge Canada Inc. for the supply of a byproduct from the proposed Bécancour Lithium Refinery in Canada commonly used as an additive in the cement industry.
The MoU is for the exclusive supply of Aluminosilicate Secondary Product (ASCR) with both parties to work toward finalising a definitive supply and purchase agreement.
Additive for cement
ASCR is a key product in the cement industry as it improves cement durability, significantly enhances compressive strength and reduces production costs.
Lafarge is part of the global Holcim Group and is Canada’s largest provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions, including aggregates, cement, ready mix and precast concrete, asphalt and paving, road and civil construction.
Sustainable innovation
Lithium Universe chairman Iggy Tan said, "This is great news for Lithium Universe as we partner with Lafarge Canada Inc. to enhance the North American battery materials supply chain and promote sustainable innovation in Canada's cement industry.
“This collaboration will not only advance our focus on building Bécancour Lithium refinery's secondary product supply chain but also strengthening local supply chains, fostering a more circular economy in Québec and contributing to greener construction materials.”
Lafarge Canada has more than 6,900 employees and 400 sites across the country, and as an affiliate of Holcim, is driven by the group’s purpose to build progress for people and the planet.
Benefits of ASCR
The lithium carbonate refining process yields in the region of 130,000 tonnes of alumina silicate by-product annually and this will be marketed as a cement additive. This product comprises silica, aluminium oxide and ferric oxide.
It features a fine particle size and large specific surface area, enhancing its reactivity and utility in cement production with the Jiangsu Lithium Refinery successfully selling this by-product to local cement industries.
Alumina silicate can improve cement strength and durability by absorbing Ca(OH)₂ produced during hydration, filling gaps and reducing heat generation. It also helps to resist cracking in large-volume concrete by mitigating temperature-induced stress.
The effectiveness of alumina silicate in cement is well-established, with cement containing 30% alumina silicate showing a 132% increase in 28-day compressive strength compared to Portland cement.
Additionally, using the fly ash activity determination method, cement with 30% alumina silicate demonstrates a 174% increase in three-month compressive strength compared to cement with 30% finely ground quartz sand.
By replacing some cement raw materials, alumina silicate can reduce production costs, improve efficiency and enhance cement quality and durability.
Market opportunity
Lithium Universe will focus on establishing sales of the alumina silicate additive to local cement manufacturers, providing significant cost-saving benefits.
This represents a market opportunity for the company with the cement industry in Canada showing notable growth and resilience in recent years.
In 2021, the cement and concrete product manufacturing industry's revenue reached approximately $12.3 billion, marking an increase of 14.14% from $10.8 billion in 2020, indicating robust demand in construction sectors.
Cement production volumes in Canada also increased, with the country producing about 13.8 million tonnes in 2022, up by 6.2% from 2020's 13 million tonnes.
This aligns with the broader economic recovery post-pandemic, driven by significant investments in infrastructure and residential construction.
The market size for cement manufacturing in Canada was estimated at $2.1 billion in 2025 and the industry employs more than 166,000, contributing significantly to Canada's economy with an annual economic impact of around $76 billion.