Application of basalt as building material

Basalt is a widely available natural resource in Egypt, with extensive deposits in the Western and Eastern Desert, Sinai Peninsula, and near Lake Nasser, including the Haddadin lava flow. As a volcanic rock, it is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to weathering, making it highly valuable for construction and manufacturing. Its accessibility and strategic location support infrastructure projects and industrial applications, particularly in response to the growing demand for cost-effective and sustainable materials. This study explores basalt’s role as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), as aggregate in concrete, and as source of basalt fibres (BFs). When used as a partial replacement for cement, basalt contributes to sustainability by lowering carbon emissions while maintaining structural performance. As an aggregate, basalt enhances concrete’s mechanical properties by improving the compressive strength, reducing porosity, and increasing resistance to chemical attack. Additionally, basalt fibres offer a lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternative to steel reinforcement, reducing maintenance costs and extending the service life of structures. Despite its numerous advantages, large-scale adoption of basalt in Egypt requires advancements in processing technologies and increased awareness of its industrial potential. Variations in composition and quality across different deposits must be evaluated to ensure suitability for specific applications. By leveraging its basalt resources, Egypt can strengthen its construction sector, promote sustainable industrial growth, and enhance infrastructure resilience, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits.