Australia produces and supplies a significant amount of lime each year for various industries and applications. The two main types of lime produced in Australia lime  are quicklime and hydrated lime. Quicklime, also known as burnt lime, is produced by heating limestone at high temperatures in a kiln to break it down into calcium oxide. Hydrated lime is produced by adding water to Quicklime and allows it to chemically combine with the water and harden.

In 2020, Australia produced over 4 million tonnes of lime. The three largest lime producing states in Australia are New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. These states collectively account for over 85% of total Australian lime production. The key lime producing regions within these states include the Hunter Valley in NSW, the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, and the Perth Basin in Western Australia.

Uses of Lime in Industry and Construction

Lime has a wide variety of important industrial and construction uses due to its chemical properties. Some of the major uses of Australia Lime include:

- Steel production: Quicklime is used as a fluxing agent in the steel production process to remove impurities from iron ore. Around 40% of Australian lime production is used in steelmaking.

- Water treatment: Hydrated lime is used to treat wastewater and drinking water by reducing contaminants, regulating pH, and inducing coagulation of certain substances.

- Construction: Both quicklime and hydrated lime are used in concrete, mortar, and plaster. Lime helps initiate the curing process in concrete and mortar, increasing their strength and durability.

- Agriculture: Lime is applied to acidic soils to raise pH levels and add calcium and magnesium, making soils healthier for plant growth. Around 15% of Australian lime output goes to agricultural uses.

- Mining: Lime is used as a neutralizing agent in many mining applications, especially in metals extraction processes like gold mining to regulate pH.

- Pulp and paper: Lime mud is used as a filler in pulp and paper manufacturing to improve the quality and brightness of paper products.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

While lime production does involve quarrying and high-heat processing, the industry works hard to minimize environmental impact and produce its products sustainably. Limestone deposits in Australia are typically very large and long-lived, allowing efficient extraction for many years. Kilns and plants also utilize the latest kiln technologies and alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions where possible.

After quarrying, Australia Lime landscapes can be rehabilitated by reshaping topsoils and replanting native vegetation. Dust control measures like spraying and enclosed conveyors also minimize air quality impacts. Lime sludge byproducts get reused or landfilled responsibly. Overall, lime production makes good use of a natural carbon-neutral resource and helps with sustainability in concrete, agriculture and more.

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