Alumtek Minerals (AM) has completed research and development on bauxite residue waste, known as ‘red mud’. The process extracts minerals like vanadium, titanium, and gallium, along with aluminium hydroxide and high-purity iron oxide.
A key achievement is the development of a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) meeting Australian Standard AS3582.4, supported by a Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRCP) grant.
Red mud, an alkaline by-product of the alumina industry, typically requires less processing than clinker in cement production.
Through collaboration with Cement Australia, AM’s process successfully removes alkalinity and chloride impurities from red mud.
AM’s SCM can function as a substitute for fly ash and slag. When replacing a portion of clinker in cement production, AM’s SCM can reduce CO2 emissions.
Furthermore, when used as an SCM in green concrete production, AM’s SCM overcomes some limitations of green concrete, such as delayed setting times and reduced initial strength.
The environmental advantages of AM’s SCM include:
- CO2 Emissions Reduction: The use of red mud significantly lowers total CO2 emissions from cement manufacturing.
- Resource Conservation: By incorporating a by-product from other industries, the cement sector can reduce its reliance on virgin raw materials.
- Waste Diversion: Utilising red mud as an industrial waste diverts it from landfills.
- Energy Efficiency: AM’s SCM production is more energy-efficient than traditional clinker production.
As coal-fired power stations close and fly ash supplies decline, the availability of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is expected to diminish.
AM’s SCM emerges as a sustainable local alternative, offering Australian cement and concrete companies an opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions, decrease imports, and support local production.
Alumtek Minerals is actively seeking joint venture partners to advance this innovative solution.
