Coal producer Alpha Natural Resources Inc has invested in a company that repurposes fly ash from coal combustion into green cement.

Abingdon based Alpha Natural Resources said that its investment equals 10.3% equity in CERATECH Inc, which is based in Alexandria. CTI creates green cement that uses 95% of fly ash waste, a byproduct of coal combustion, from electric utilities. In addition, the cement production process generates no carbon dioxide emissions, according to Alpha.

According to Alpha, the process also reduces the amount of ash being used in landfills. About 3 of every 5 tonnes of ash or 42 million tonnes a year end up in a landfill. One tonne of CTI's cement diverts about 1,800 pounds of landfill waste.

Alpha has the option to increase its investment in CERATEC to 28.3% if certain criteria are met. Alpha did not disclose the amount of its initial investment.

Mr Michael Peelish chief sustainability officer for Alpha said that "Alpha's investment is an ideal fit within our larger sustainability investments strategy. We are looking for ways to encourage development of new technologies that will bring sustainable environmental benefits to our utility customers. Conversion of waste fly ash into a green construction material represents an exceptional environmental use of coal combustion by products."

(Sourced from www.virginiabusiness.com)