Alumtek Minerals Delivers Breakthrough in SCM Production from ‘Red Mud’ – Leading to Significant Carbon Emission Reductions.

Via Alumtek Minerals

Alumtek Minerals (AM), has recently completed Research and Development on bauxite residue waste, commonly known as ‘red mud’. As well as developing a process to extract the critical minerals vanadium, titanium and gallium, AM’s process also extracts aluminium hydroxide and a high purity iron oxide.

Most notably, AM has developed a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) meeting the stringent Australian Standard AS3582.4.

This milestone comes as a result of a CRCP grant (Cooperative Research Centres Project), showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Red mud is an alkaline byproduct of the alumina industry and is usually stored in tailing dams. In cement production, it requires less processing than clinker production, leading to a number of key benefits for miners and cement manufacturers.

Collaborating closely with Cement Australia over the past two years, AM has perfected the blend of kaolin and red mud, resulting in an SCM with a strength index of 108%, compared to AS3582.4 minimum requirement of 85%. AM’s process also effectively removes the alkalinity and chloride impurities from the red mud.

AM's SCM not only serves as a viable replacement for fly ash and slag but also offers a significant environmental advantage. When used to replace a portion of the clinker in cement production, AM's SCM has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions substantially.

The environmental benefits of AM's SCM are multifaceted:

1. Reduction in CO2 Emissions: Utilizing red mud, which requires less processing compared to clinker, significantly reduces the total CO2 emissions from the cement manufacturing process.

2. Conservation of Resources: By incorporating a by-product from other industrial processes, the cement industry can lessen its demand for virgin raw materials, contributing to the conservation of natural resources.

3. Waste Diversion: By utilising red mud - an industrial waste - AM’s SCM diverts waste from landfills, mitigating the environmental impact associated with waste disposal.

4. Energy Efficiency: The production of AM's SCM is more energy-efficient than traditional clinker production, resulting in energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

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 now actively seeking joint venture partners to propel this innovative solution to the next level, demonstrating its commitment to driving sustainable practices within the cement industry.

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For partnership opportunities, please contact:

Cherrell Picton

Business Manager

Ph: +61 (0) 477732995 

Em: cherrell@alumtekminerals.com