CSIRO's Bauxite, Residue and Disposal Database (BRaDD) is a web-based data platform that enables users to identify current practices worldwide in bauxite residue processing and storage, and evaluate options for sustainable utilisation of residue.
The database enables new insights into the best options for bauxite residue management and future large-scale residue use.
It covers data from alumina refineries across the world, including their history of operation, and because it includes information on bauxite composition, allows users to link feed bauxite and processing to final residue disposal.
CSIRO researchers have developed the Bauxite, Residue and Disposal Database (BRaDD) as a comprehensive information bank that will allow identification of trends and patterns in production, management and storage of bauxite residues.
BRaDD has been developed through the Light Metals Flagship and CSIRO Process Science and Engineering via the Parker Cooperative Research Centre for Integrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions.
BRaDD is the first comparative online tool available to the alumina refining industry and research community.
The database will allow users to:
- evaluate and assess existing management techniques for different types of bauxite residue
- make informed choices about the most appropriate options for residue use.
Background
The alumina industry generates about 120 million tonnes of bauxite residues (red mud) each year, which are treated and stored in surface bauxite residue disposal areas (BRDAs). Given the large volumes of residue, finding sustainable solutions for residue use is a desirable goal.
However, the lack of a comparative tool enabling assessment of effectiveness of existing processing technologies means that trends in residue processing and storage practices have remained undefined.
CSIRO has created BRaDD as a knowledge base for collation of data about feed bauxites and bauxite residues. The collected data can be analysed for correlations that help identify optimal treatment and storage practices for residues.
Via BRaDD, CSIRO scientists aim to offer the industry and research community a tool to develop treatment and storage strategies tailored to suit the needs of refineries and their local communities, and utilisation strategies that are synergistic with local industries.
The Bauxite, Residue and Disposal Database
For each refinery, BRaDD includes information about:
- origin and characterisation of the bauxite ore
- how it has been processed
- thickening and neutralisation of the residue
- information on residue compositions
- residue production figures
- the disposal method and design of the disposal area.
All of these factors influence potential options available for utilisation of bauxite residues.
The database uniquely incorporates this information over the operational history of each refinery.
BRaDD enables users to assess residue production, properties and management through use of key searchable terms. It provides a current picture of best practice trends, as well as being an invaluable resource for those with an interest in residue utilisation.
BRaDD incorporates links which allow users to view refinery sites using Google™ Earth. Examples of the links for two refineries are presented here:
The Alunorte Barcarena refinery in Brazil (view using Google™ Earth).
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The Gove Alumina refinery in the Northern Territory of Australia (view using Google™ Earth).
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The database is the first comparative tool available for bauxite storage practices, and is available online to the alumina refining industry and research community as an initiative of CSIRO Light Metals Flagship in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP).
The database tool was formally presented at the APP Bauxite Residue Workshop in Nagpur, India, held in December 2009.
An invitation to participate
CSIRO researchers invite bauxite refiners, managers of residue disposal areas, and researchers to add information to ensure that BRaDD is as comprehensive as possible.
CSIRO researchers invite alumina refiners and managers of residue disposal areas, as well as researchers in the area, to input information into BRaDD to ensure that the database is as comprehensive as possible.
'We feel that BRaDD is a critical stepping stone in the direction of sustainable bauxite residue disposal, remediation and utilisation,' said Dr Markus Gräfe, senior scientist involved with the project.
'Good information is essential as a basis for good decisions, and that is what we want BRaDD to deliver.'
Accessing BRaDD
You can access BRaDD at BRaDDdatabase [extranet site].
First-time users will need to fill out a registration form before accessing the database.
Options for bauxite residue utilisation
A number of potential options for re-use of bauxite residues have been suggested.
Some of these include:
- an agricultural amendment for improvement of sandy soils
- neutralising treatment material for acidic mining wastes
- material for construction purposes (e.g. road fill, brick making)
- source of raw materials for ceramics and brick manufacture
- feedstock for mineral production (e.g., pig iron, titanium dioxide pigment).
Ultimately, BRaDD will facilitate selection of the optimal choices amongst these and other re-use options, for residue stored in both existing and planned residue storage areas (BRDAs).
Read more about Light Metals Flagship.
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