A
Aluminum is obtained from bauxite, an ore that can be found in the major climate
groups: Mediterranean , Tropical and Sub-tropical, and the process is conducted
in three stages: Mining, Refining e Smelting.
The chemical process, named Bayer, is the
most used in the aluminum industry. In this
process, alumina is dissolved in caustic
soda, and then, filtered to separate all
solids. The filtrate is concentrated for
the crystallization of alumina. Crystals
are then dried and calcined to eliminate water, and
the white pure alumina powder is sent to the smelter
to become aluminum, through electrolysis, a process
known as Hall-Héroult.
The process approach
is a way to put in context the aluminum industry
actions focusing the environmental issue,
characterized by the efficient management of natural
resources and responsibility for future generations.
Following
this line, bauxite mining process environmental
management is the first state of the chain and of
the industry's commitment to sustainable development.
Related areas
The Industry |
