Alpha acquires stake in ‘green cement’

Alpha Natural Resources has made a strategic equity investment in CERATECH, Inc. (CTI), based in Alexandria, Virginia, US. CTI manufactures a ‘green cement’ that utilises 95% waste flyash from electric utilities, reducing their landfill requirements while generating zero CO₂ emissions from the cement production process.

CTI’s technology allows for beneficial repurposing of flyash, reducing the volume of ash that is being land filled (approximately 42 million tpa of ash produced ends up in a landfill). A single ton of CTI ‘green cement’ diverts approximately 1800 lb of landfill waste.

CTI’s cement is a one-to-one replacement for portland cement, with excellent strength and durability characteristics. It is composed of more than 90% flyash and meets green construction guidelines, particularly the US Green Building Council’s LEED certification requirements.

Alpha’s initial investment gives it 10.3% of the equity in CTI on a fully-diluted basis with an option to increase that stake to 28.3% of the fully-diluted shares if certain criteria are met. The amount of Alpha’s initial investment was not disclosed.

“Alpha’s investment is an ideal fit within our larger sustainability investments strategy,” said Michael Peelish, Chief Sustainability Officer for Alpha Natural Resources. “Conversion of waste flyash into a green construction material represents an exceptional environmental use of coal combustion by-products.”

According to Jon Hyman, CTI CEO: “Alpha’s investment brings immediate benefit to CTI. Their strategic support […] is an endorsement that we know will have great value in our discussions with leading US utilities. Expediting the development of partnering agreements with leading utilities will result in our ability to expand our cement production and distribution capabilities.  Also it will strengthen our ability to compete cost-effectively against traditional cement companies."

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/08032011/alpha_invest_in_green_cement/