Using iron-rich red mud from alumina production at steel plants

Abstract

In the low temperate sintering of bauxite with alkali, the magnetic properties of red mud change on account of the formation of a new mineral—maghemite. By this means, waste production may be reduced by a factor of 1.5. The concentrates obtained are suitable for use in ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy and in rare-earth production. This technology provides environmental benefits and expands the range of raw materials for steel production.