Bauxite residue management

Abstract

With some two to four tonnes of bauxite residue arising for every tonne of aluminium produced, the management of bauxite residue (or Red Mud) has always been a significant issue for the aluminium industry. However, the tragic fatal incident in Ajka, Hungary in October 2010 has reinforced the need for safe and effective management of storage areas globally. For the past five years the International Aluminium Institute has been involved in research into the management of bauxite residue and in 2011 created a set of voluntary objectives recommending that best practices are adopted to ensure that the Hungarian incident is never repeated elsewhere. This paper will review the current and best practices of bauxite residue management.