Researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have created a process that converts low-grade clays into a cement substitute, addressing significant environmental concerns in construction.

• 20 percent of traditional cement can be replaced, improving concrete's compressive strength by 15 percent and reducing porosity by 41 percent.
• Lead author Roshan Jayathilakage emphasized the efficiency of their method in lowering fuel use.
• The demand for kaolin is projected to reach 6 billion U.S. dollars by 2032, potentially creating new markets for illite clay.