Sustainable Spent Pot Line Management Guidance

Abstract

Spent Pot Lining (SPL) is generated as a solid waste from the primary aluminium electrolysis process. Approximately 25 kg of SPL is produced per tonne of primary aluminium and a significant amount of the SPL generated today is stored in secure facilities or sites, at or near, aluminium smelters. SPL is classified as a hazardous waste in many jurisdictions which can complicate its transportation and end-of-life processing. There are various commercial options for treating SPL and there is also ongoing research on the use of SPL as a feedstock into other industrial processes and there have been a number of commercial partnerships in recent times. The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has developed industry guidance that describes good practices for sustainable SPL management taking into consideration that sustainable or good practice is dependent on site-specific issues, local constraints, risks and regulatory regimes. Case studies, data and other supporting information has been collated to provide a comprehensive overview to support sustainable management of SPL across the aluminium industry.