Ardealite-based building materials sector gains support

A potentially lucrative new sector is reportedly currently taking shape in Xifeng county – administered by Guiyang city, in Southwest China's Guizhou province – based on a previously unhealthy and unusable industrial waste. 

Ardealite is a type of industrial residue made during the phosphate fertilizers production process. Xifeng county has currently stored more than 47.5 million metric tons of ardealite, with an additional 4 million tons added every year.

The large store of it not only takes up a large amount of land, but is also said to damage the natural environment of the county.

In 2017, Xifeng initiated a campaign to find ways to make use of ardealite. Subsequently, a new business that can process ardealite into new building materials has been supported for its positive effects on the local economy and ecosystem.

In order to better utilize ardealite and address weak links existing in its industrial chain, the Xifeng government has reportedly sought cooperation opportunities with research institutes, universities and enterprises. It has boosted investments and established a technology innovation system to enhance technology transfers.

Now the ardealite-based building materials industrial production and supply chain can reportedly produce multiple building materials products made from the substance.

By the end of November this year, the ardealite utilization rate had risen to 120.51 percent from the original 46.4 percent back in 2018, far higher than the national level.