Murdoch University’s new ‘Colliecrete’ turning South West coal town’s ash into green manufacturing industry

Collie has found itself at the centre of a scientific discovery, after university graduates developed a new concrete material with waste generated from coal burnt at the town’s power stations. Researchers at Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute set their sights on the South West coal mining town to transform fly ash from burning coal into a concrete-like material dubbed “Colliecrete”. Launched last week, the new product aims to reduce the need for unsustainable practices and create a greener alternative to concrete. Colliecrete emerges as a new product to take advantage of Collie’s transition away from the coal-fired power industry and towards 21st century technologies and more sustainable alternatives. The research team scooped soft fly ash from Collie’s power stations and mixed it with construction waste (otherwise sent to landfill) to create a greener option to concrete. Environmental engineer Dr Martin Anda said the graduates had developed an entirely new approach to concrete. “We need to be bolder and more innovative and get on with the job of transforming our cities into sustainable cities,” Dr Anda said. “This innovation is a terrific example of that.” Environmental engineering graduates Hendrik Gildenhuys and Ramon Skane hope to use Collie’s tailings dams, which contain a century’s worth of old fly ash, as the basis for a green manufacturing industry that will inject fresh jobs into the local economy.