About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Alumina & Bauxite
|
| Presentation Title |
Decarbonization in the Context of Processing Jamaican Goethitic Bauxite |
| Author(s) |
Michael Delroy Coley, Desmond Lawson, Anthony M Greenaway |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Michael Delroy Coley |
| Abstract Scope |
Bauxite/alumina refineries around the world are actively decarbonizing their operations and greening their production processes. Jamaican Bayer refineries however, face challenges as the hematite-rich ores that are traditionally processed in low temperature plants have become scarce and are being replaced by goethitic ores. These goethitic ores settle poorly and have significantly higher phosphorus, boehmite, and reactive silica. This work compares the characteristics of traditionally processed ores with goethitic bauxites and assess likely changes in lime requirements, production rates and alumina quality. Since goethitic ores require much more lime (CaO) for phosphorus and silica control, and for managing boehmite reversion and settling rates, higher carbon emissions seem inevitable. This paper proposes simple process changes that reduce use of lime and suggests equipment options that enhance efficiency and lower carbon-based emissions. Despite these initiatives, low temperature processing of goethitic bauxite present significant challenges to maintaining high production efficiency and acceptable alumina quality. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Extraction and Processing, Other |