Kannonkoski, Finland – Betolar Plc, a circular economy pioneer and materials technology specialist, has entered a commercial agreement with Canadian mining firm Mandalay Resources to develop a low-carbon, cementless rockfill solution for the Costerfield gold-antimony mine in Victoria, Australia.
Australia, a global mining powerhouse, derives nearly 60% of its export value from mineral commodities—making it one of the most demanding and innovation-driven mining markets worldwide. This collaboration marks Betolar’s official entry into the Australian mining sector and supports its global expansion strategy in the low-carbon materials space.
Cement-Free Rockfill with 80% Lower CO₂ Emissions
Betolar’s solution replaces traditional cement in rockfill with an innovative binder made from industrial sidestreams, significantly reducing carbon emissions while offering a cost-effective alternative. According to Betolar, the new technology has the potential to cut CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional cement-based filling systems.
“With Mandalay Resources, we have the opportunity to showcase the value of our cementless rockfill technology in one of the world’s most demanding mining markets,” said Jyri Talja, Chief Growth Officer at Betolar. “This is a major step in proving how our circular economy innovations can meet strict technical and environmental mining standards.”
The partnership will initially focus on a techno-commercial study and pilot phase, with plans to commercialize the solution by early 2026.
Advancing Sustainability in Mining
For Mandalay Resources, the collaboration aligns closely with its commitment to environmental responsibility.
“Betolar’s innovative rockfill solution offers a cost-effective and sustainable option to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Dylan Goldhahn, Technical Services Superintendent at Mandalay Resources. “It fits well with our sustainability goals and the evolving expectations of our stakeholders.”
Unlocking New Market Opportunities
This agreement not only enables Betolar to enter Australia’s mining sector but also enhances its standing among international mining operators seeking low-carbon alternatives to cement.
“Our entry into Australia’s leading mining market further validates Betolar’s role as a technology leader in sustainable mining,” said Tuija Kalpala, President and CEO of Betolar. “Success here can shape how mining companies worldwide decarbonize their operations. The global demand for low-carbon, cost-efficient cement alternatives is growing rapidly—and we are ready to meet it.”
The mining industry is both a significant generator of industrial sidestreams and a major consumer of cement. Betolar’s model leverages these sidestreams to develop circular economy solutions that reduce emissions, lower costs, and minimize dependence on virgin raw materials.