Valuable metals not stuck in the mud

Bauxite residue - the by-product from the extraction of aluminium from bauxite ore - has the consistency of thick, red mud. Disposing of this waste poses a serious problem for industry, as does the risk of spills. But red mud can also be a source of critical metals. The REDMUD project intends to turn residues into low-carbon building materials - and to train researchers along the way.

Image of lake — © Mr Korn Flakes- fotolia.com

Project:

European Training Network for Zero-waste Valorisation of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud)

The training network is targeting the vast streams of new and stockpiled bauxite residue around the EU. It may not be hazardous, but red mud is not pleasant. A spill can lead to serious burns. Shrinking the stockpiles is in everyone’s interests, but to do this, and to create a zero-waste bauxite residue industry, Europe urgently requires skilled scientists and engineers.

REDMUD