Two trials by the WA-based Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing (CSRP) are using treated mineral residue for road base and nutrient filters.

The initiative is part of a technology revolution led by WA researchers to convert a wide range of mining and energy sector wastes to commercial products.

CSRP CEO, Stevan Green, says that the current programs effectively recast waste materials as useful products.

"We have made some major advances in recent years to develop the technology for converting mining and energy sector residues into potentially valuable construction and agricultural materials," he said.

In the first trial, more than 2500 cubic metres of sand was extracted from bauxite residue and used as road base to widen the Greenlands Road access to the new highway near Pinjarra.

CSRP has developed a concept called ReSand where sand sourced from recovered materials is compared to conventionally sourced quarry sand.

The source of sand which is assessed as having the lowest ecological footprint or impact can then be designated as ReSand.

This gives developers, regulators and the community an assurance that the use of these residue materials is in fact the best outcome for the environment and for society.

Mr Green said the recovery of construction sand from mineral residues would have a range of potential benefits including:

• replacement of increasingly scarce supplies of quarry sand;
• reduction in the clearing of natural bushland for sand quarries; and
• reduction in the demand for expensive waste residue containment facilities.

"These benefits can lead to reduced costs, less energy and water use and lower greenhouse gas emissions," Mr Green said.

In the second trial associated with the Perth Bunbury Highway, a demonstration "nutrient trap" has been installed by the side of the new road. The trap collects water run-off and removes nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates, to help prevent algal blooms in the surrounding waterways.