Authored by Lemuel Daher.
Introducing Argo Living Soils!
Argo (CSE: ARGO, FSE: 94Y, OTC Pink: ARLSF) is a publicly traded company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. Here at MarketSmart, we’re thrilled to be working with Argo as the company enters an exciting new phase of development with respect to graphene.
To truly understand why we’re absolutely crazy about Argo and graphene — we’ll first need to talk about concrete. As of late, the demand for it has seen a significant increase worldwide, particularly in developing regions. Last year, for example, the North American ready-mix concrete market was valued at approximately 250 billion USD and was projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% through 2030.
So, what’s the reason for this progression?
Well, Argo understands that it’s a mix of infrastructure development and the increasing demand for sustainable construction materials… with special emphasis on the word, “sustainable.”
You see, the construction industry has evolving needs, needs which necessitate eco-friendly solutions. Consider that the production of concrete is among the largest industrial sources of global CO₂ emissions. In fact, traditional concrete production is responsible for roughly eight percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.
The solution to this problem?
Untraditional concrete production. Otherwise known as green concrete.
And given that green concrete employs innovative technologies and methodologies aimed at lowering carbon emissions and energy use — Argo is perfectly positioned to leverage graphene to make a huge splash through its subsidiary, Argo Green Concrete Solutions Inc.
For those unfamiliar with graphene, the material is a carbon allotrope consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a honeycomb planar nanostructure. Graphene has exceptional properties with a vast range of potential applications, and is widely known as a “wonder material.” Graphene is renowned worldwide for being tough, flexible, light, and durable. It’s estimated that the material is two-hundred times more resistant than steel.
To be clear, Argo Living Soils are not becoming cement manufacturers. Rather, they are developing a graphene additive that will go into the cement. This additive increases concrete’s compressive and tensile strength by up to 30%, allowing for more durable structures with less material. Graphene enhanced strength also means a reduction in the amount of cement needed for production, which lowers CO₂ emissions by up to 20%.
Graphene-enhanced concrete will also reduce thermal cracking and be more resistant to water penetration and freeze-thaw cycles. This will extend the lifespan of an infrastructure. Additionally, graphene reduces the water required in concrete mixing, which conserves resources and energy.
Because of these benefits, both private and public sectors are rapidly gravitating toward green concrete. We’ve talked about the significant market growth for conventional concrete — how the North American ready-mix concrete market was valued at approximately USD 250 billion in 2024 — but the global demand for green concrete is also undergoing incredible growth.
This is due to a heightened awareness among consumers regarding climate change. Consumers are now looking for low-carbon alternatives in construction projects. Also consider that increasing regulatory pressures are encouraging manufacturers to adopt greener technologies.
Argo recently entered into a research and development agreement with Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC). Based in Alberta, GLC is a leader in high-quality dispersions of graphene and carbon nanomaterials to develop a graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) additive for ready-mix concrete.
This collaboration is a major step forward for Argo. Scott Smale, Director of Argo Living Soils Corp., has stated that this agreement is a critical step toward revolutionizing the construction industry with greener and stronger materials. Scott Smale was recently appointed to Argo’s Board of Directors and benefits from 35 years experience in designing, building, and project management for large commercial construction.
Mr. Smale’s extensive technical knowledge will be invaluable when it comes to Argo’s expansion into green concrete — especially considering that Mr. Smale’s main structural component knowledge strength is in concrete construction (including additive analysis and the concrete mix design used in the construction industry).
Mr. Smale anticipates Argo advancing to a feasibility study within three months to evaluate the commercial potential of their graphene nanoplatelet additive for ready-mix concrete.
Make sure to stay tuned for more developments from Argo Living Soils — a company that is about to take the green concrete market-space by storm.
