Dive summary:
- Orbite Aluminae Inc. and Veolia Environmental Services have signed a global partnership agreement to treat and recycle red mud generated by industrial aluminum oxide production.
- Red mud is a particularly troublesome waste product; existing purification processes are complicated, costly, and ineffective.
- With the new partnership the two companies will also construct the first red mud treatment plant using Orbite’s patented process.
From the press release:
Orbite Aluminae Inc. ("Orbite") and Veolia Environmental Services ("Veolia") signed an exclusive worldwide collaborative agreement for the treatment and recycling of red mud generated by industrial alumina production using the Bayer process. The terms of the partnership include the construction of the first plant to treat red mud using Orbite's patented process.
Red mud is a caustic waste that is difficult to treat because existing purification processes are complicated, costly, and ineffective. Red mud often remains stored in situ, which increases the risk of accidental spills. To meet this environmental and complex challenge facing the aluminum industry, Orbite and Veolia Environmental Services endeavour to bring the solution to treat the red mud stockpiled around the world in an economically and socially sustainable manner. The Orbite process is the only proven and commercially viable eco-friendly technology for treating Bayer process tailings; it recovers their entire commercial value and can extend the lifespan of Bayer plants. ...
