Emerging mineral processing technology company Zeotech Limited has announced the execution of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Holcim Australia, a prominent leader in innovative and sustainable building materials.
Zeotech said in an ASX announcement that this partnership aims to enhance the manufacturing and application of high reactivity metakaolin (HRM) in concrete production across Australia.
“Holcim looks forward to collaborating with Zeotech to further the opportunity to fast-track the development of low-emissions building products and technologies associated with metakaolin in Australia,” said Paul Rocker, National Materials Technology Manager at Holcim Australia.
The MOU establishes a framework for Zeotech and Holcim to collaborate on advancing HRM manufacturing and negotiating terms for a potential offtake agreement.
As part of this partnership, Zeotech will supply Holcim Australia with up to 10 tonnes of HRM for concrete pilot trials, facilitating further commercial validation and the exchange of technical information to support a preliminary feasibility study.
Peter Zardo, managing director of Zeotech, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are pleased to work with one of Australia’s leading sustainable building materials suppliers and validate Zeotech’s HRM strategy.”
Zeotech has previously provided Holcim with kaolin samples for testing. A report from Central Queensland University indicated that HRM produced from Zeotech’s Toondoon kaolin profiles exceeds both Australian Standards and ASTM International Standards for manufactured pozzolans.
This validation supports the potential for integrating Zeotech’s HRM into Holcim’s concrete products.
Both parties have also agreed to explore potential State or Federal Government funding opportunities to develop low-emission technologies related to metakaolin production and Holcim’s products.
The agreement includes considerations for joint ventures or profit-sharing arrangements regarding metakaolin manufacturing, leveraging Zeotech’s high-grade raw ore kaolin.
“The MOU provides a framework for ongoing collaboration and the supply of larger volumes of Zeotech’s HRM to Holcim for concrete pilot trials, which will aid the completion of a feasibility study and may lead to future commercial arrangements,” added Zardo.
The MOU is set to expire on 1 March 2026, but can be terminated by either party with a 30-day written notice.
