Comprehensive utilization of bauxite residue for simultaneous recovery of base metals and critical elements

The growing stockpiles of bauxite residue and associated environmental hazards require a sophisticated recycling system for complete utilization and value recovery. The current application is limited as a raw material for building and construction applications. Considering the association of multiple elements (Fe, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, V, Sc) within bauxite residue, metal extraction is of prime interest with respect to the economic value of the final product. The following study presents a hydrometallurgy-based process flowsheet for the sustainable recovery of base metals and critical elements within bauxite residue. Major elements present in bauxite residue are recovered as materials for industrial application, including high purity magnetite, alumina, titania, silica, and calcium carbonate. Trace elements are recovered in the liquid stream generated after the recovery of base metals.

Automated summary

The growing stockpiles of bauxite residue require a sophisticated recycling system for complete utilization and value recovery. A hydrometallurgy-based process flowsheet has been proposed for the sustainable recovery of base metals and critical elements within bauxite residue.