Technology Roadmap for Bauxite Residue Treatment and Utilization

Summary of workshop prepared by Energetics, Inc.

Summary

The treatment and use of bauxite residue (sometimes known as red mud) was the focus of a recent meeting sponsored by the Aluminum Association. Representatives from Alcoa, Alcan, and Kaiser were joined by several outside technical experts (Appendix A) to discuss various approaches and set priorities for possible collaborative research efforts.

The group assigned the highest priority to the following approaches for residue treatment:

· metal recovery from residue

· removal of desilication product (DSP) before it becomes residue

· beneficiation of bauxite

· consolidation

· use for removing SO2 and CO2 from gaseous streams

· use for levee construction, including both dikes in disposal areas and road bases

The key technical, economic, environmental, and market factors influencing the success of each approach were determined. Research needs for the approaches listed above were identified and discussed and priorities assigned.

The group indicated that a top priority in metal recovery is a joint brainstorming effort between the aluminum industry and outside experts, perhaps part of a collaborative development effort with other metal producers. A key research need under removal of DSP is the development of a cost-effective means of recovering soda from DSP product. In the area of bauxite beneficiation, the focus should be on the development of new separation technology.

Aluminum companies have joined together to work cooperatively on the common problem of treating bauxite residue. The next step in this process is to identify specific pre-competitive research activities for the highest-priority needs based on the output of the workshop. Aluminum companies with a potential stake in the outcome should collaborate to jointly seek government funds or fund university research. By leveraging their resources and knowledge, the companies will be able to develop economical solutions faster than they could acting independently.