Unique Challenges
Phosphogypsum
Phosphogypsum is radioactive, hazardous, and stored in huge quantities. Unused phosphogypsum is disposed without treatment and maintained in large stacks, creating health and environmental hazards.
CARBON CAPTURE
Carbon capture is a key technology needed to significantly reduce CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
FGD GYPSUM
In 2019, the US produced 30 million tons of synthetic gypsum of which 16.5 was landfilled.
COAL ASH
Approximately 130 million tons being produced each year and disposed of in landfills and impoundments/ash ponds and can contain mercury, arsenic, cadmium and other contaminants.
RARE EARTH ELEMENTS
The demand for rare earth elements has soared as industries and countries work to transition to cleaner energy sources. Several new rare earth projects need to be started to avoid a shortage of rare earths by 2030.
FOOD SUPPLY AND DEMAND BY 2025
United Nation’s studies indicate food production must increase over 100% by 2050
Phosphogypsum, a form of synthetic gypsum, is a byproduct of phosphate fertilizer manufacturing. Naturally containing radionuclides from phosphate rock, it poses significant health and environmental hazards, leading to chemical and radioactive contamination.
In addition to radionuclides, phosphogypsum contains heavy metals such as Radium, Zinc, Arsenic, and others, further exacerbating its environmental impact.
Due to its hazardous nature, proper management and storage in stacks are essential for disposed phosphogypsum. The USA currently hosts 70 phosphogypsum waste stacks, particularly in states like Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Remarkably, Florida alone holds 25 stacks, housing an astounding 1 billion tons of phosphogypsum, with an additional 30 million tons added each year.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) serves as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat in our atmosphere to keep the planet warm. However, an increasing concentration of CO2 significantly contributes to climate change by intensifying the heat-trapping effect, warming the Earth's surface. To address this challenge, carbon capture and storage strategies aim to limit CO2's impact on climate change by preventing its release into the environment. Effectively addressing the issue of CO2 emissions is paramount for ensuring a sustainable future. Spearstone Solutions has pioneered an innovative approach that not only reduces the environmental footprint of various industries but also actively contributes to the realization of a carbon-neutral world.
Synthetic gypsum, generated through various industrial processes like Flue Gas Desulfurization in the Electric Utility Industry, amounted to an impressive 30 million tons in the US in 2019. However, only 13.5 million tons found practical applications, leaving 16.5 million tons destined for landfills. Spearstone Solutions addresses this environmental challenge by pioneering innovative solutions. Our patented process transforms gypsum into high-purity ammonium sulfate and calcium carbonate, revolutionizing waste management and promoting sustainability. This technology not only reduces industrial waste but also offers a groundbreaking approach to phosphogypsum management while minimizing CO2 emissions. Spearstone Solutions is dedicated to driving meaningful change for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable world.
Coal ash, a substantial industrial waste, reaches a staggering 130 million tons annually. It is then discharged into landfills and impoundments, often referred to as ash ponds. This byproduct emerges from coal combustion, yielding fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and FGD gypsum. Coal ash harbors potentially harmful elements like mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, posing a risk to groundwater if not appropriately managed. Therefore, the EPA closely regulates the storage and handling of coal ash, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective systems and procedures to mitigate environmental impacts and safeguard public health.
Rare earth elements (REEs) are 17 crucial players that play a vital role in military hardware, consumer electronics, and green technologies, to name a few. While they are abundant in the earth’s crust, extraction is tricky as they are typically difficult to separate from other minerals. Their importance to the US is multi-faceted. In national security, REEs are the backbone of advanced weaponry, ensuring a stable domestic supply is paramount. For technology and innovation, they're vital for clean energy and high-tech, driving the US economy and reducing emissions. Historically reliant on imports, mainly from China, the US is now aiming for REE independence, safeguarding against economic and national security risks. Spearstone's technology, extracting REEs from fly ash and phosphogypsum, offers a local, sustainable solution, keeping the US competitive in the REE race.
Our planet braces for a 3 billion-strong population surge by mid-century, painting a stark picture of escalating food demands. This human tide will cast a long shadow over our ecosystems, intensifying the already dire threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. As the pressure mounts on our life-sustaining resources, the need for immediate, coordinated action becomes even more pressing. From bolstering sustainable agriculture to safeguarding fragile habitats, we must act decisively to ensure a future where humanity and nature thrive, not merely survive.