Bauxite Residue - Curtin University

BAUXITE RESIDUEwhat isCSRP?The Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing (CSRP) aims to create new methods to produce mineralsand metals in a way that benefits the community, the environment and industry. It has a vision of sustainableminerals processing and metals production - satisfying the global material needs of society with significantlyreduced ecological impacts. To achieve this, CSRP aims to find technological solutions for progressivelyeliminating waste and emissions in the materials cycle, while enhancing business performance and meetingcommunity expectations. Specifically for the Bauxite Residue Program, this translates to maximisingcommunity benefit from any given ore body.sustainability requires aCHANGE IN MINDSETTo maximise community benefit from a particular orebody requires that multiple products be made to astandard specification suited to purpose. Productionshould no longer be limited to a primary product.residuebauxitealuminabauxitealuminaReSand ®ReLimeReSoilX, Y, Zresiduekey research AREASTools to aid assessment of by-products• application of leach protocols• risk based assessment using leach protocols• sustainability assessment methodologiesAssessment of by-product applications• red mud as a soil amendment in agriculture• coarse residue in general construction• magnetic separation of coarse bauxite residue• lime residue in agriculture and industryLinkage to the Geopolymer Program• inclusion of bauxite residues in geopolymerconcrete• inclusion of bauxite residues in geopolymermortarby-product UTILISATIONCSRP has identified a numberReSand ® sourced from theof by-products from theminerals industry is a replacementminerals processing industry.for virgin mined sand.These have the potential toreplace existing materials andReSoil is a soil ameliorant toreduce the overall ecologicalimprove the productivity of poorfootprint.soils in agriculture.“WASTE IS APRODUCT MADETO POORSPECIFICATIONS”says Dr Evan Jamieson, Managerof the Bauxite Residue Program.ReLime is a source independentecological replacement for minedor manufactured lime.

RESAND ®from coarse bauxite residueDarling Range bauxite contains significantquantities of quartz resulting in a higherproportion of coarse bauxite residue beingprocessed. This coarse residue is almost identicalto crushed rock and has a sand particle sizedistribution. Once neutralised and washed free ofsalt, this product has excellent properties for usein the construction industry. Projects at CurtinUniversity of Technology have identified ReSand ®as suitable for general fill, for use in embankmentsand also in the construction of roads. ReSand ®has also been classed as suitable as a substitutefor fine aggregate in concrete production. 5000tonnes of ReSand ® are being produced at a pilotfacility to enable demonstration projects withparticular emphasis upon road construction.RESOIL from fine bauxiteresidueWestern Australian soils aredeficient in fines and mineralswith phosphate retentioncapacity. In the Peel Harveyregion, the use of highlysoluble phosphate fertilisersand other practices has ledto excessive nutrient run-offinto the estuary with resultingalgal blooms. Widespreadagricultural application of finebauxite residue Alkaloam® (asan example of ReSoil), having ahigh phosphate retention index,will assist with phosphate levelreduction and other issues.Potted plant, field and catchmenttrials have been conducted andmonitored by the Departmentof Food and Agriculture WA.RELIME from bauxite residueBauxite residues typicallycontain solid alkalinity. Thissolid alkalinity is typicallya combination of calciumoxide, calcium carbonateand tri calcium aluminate.This material can beseparated from the processretaining a high neutralisationvalue and appears to haveproperties suitable asReLime for constructionand agricultural applications.Potted plant and field trialsconducted through theDepartment of Food andAgriculture WA are assessingthe suitability of ReLimeas an agricultural lime.INDUSTRY PARTNERSFor further information,please visit www.csrp.com.auor contactProgram LeaderDr Evan Jamieson+61 8 6436 8926evan.jamieson@csrp.com.auCSRPCommunications OfficerMs Lisa Laurie+61 8 6436 8832lisa.laurie@csrp.com.auPrinted on 100% recycled paper.