Resource-Efficient and Economically Viable Pyrometallurgical Processing of Industrial Ferrous By-products

This work outlines an integrated methodology for converting metallurgical by-products into high added value products, through an essentially zero-waste process. Thermodynamic modelling and conceptual design for processing bauxite residues (red mud) from the primary aluminium industry and ferro-nickel production slags are presented as examples. Furthermore, results of semi-industrial scale experiments for processing bauxite residues are illustrated, along with a preliminary financial analysis and an exergy flowsheet of the new conceptual alumina refinery, all confirming the financial viability as well as the resource-efficient utilization of the proposed technology.