Basically, around four tons of bauxite are required to product two
tons of alumina, and two tons of alumina to produce one ton of aluminum
using the smelting process. In the electrolytic process, in order to obtain
aluminum, alumina is fed in a controlled manner, to a cast electrolyte, made
up by cryolite salts and aluminum fluoride. The passage of an electric current
through the electrolytic cell causes the alumina smelting, decanting the metallic
aluminum in the cell's bottom and the released oxygen reacts with the carbon
anode, forming carbon dioxide.
Climate
The Brazilian Aluminum industry has always been committed to reduce
the environmental impact of emissions that contribute for the hothouse
gas effects. Thanks to pioneer initiatives and to several institutional
partnerships, the industry has achieved excellent results in reducing
the consumption of natural resources and of gas emissions, in the
recovery of mined areas and in the recycling of waste and products.
One example
of the industry's results is the reduction of gases that contribute for the
Hothouse Effect, PCF's (Perfluorcarbons, such as CF4). Since 1994, when the
measurements started in Brazil , until this date, the rate has dropped from
0.25 kg to 0.18 kg of CF4/t of primary aluminum produced - quite
below the world average of 0.31 kg, according to IAI.
Related areas
The Industry
Production
processes
Mining
processes
Refining
processes |
