About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Alumina & Bauxite
|
| Presentation Title |
Tecno-Soil: a sustainable alternative for bauxite beneficiation and environmental rehabilitation |
| Author(s) |
Julia Mont Alverne Martins, Ivo Ribeiro da Silva, Maria Carolina Vieira, Christian Fonseca de Andrade, Roberto Seno |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Roberto Seno |
| Abstract Scope |
The aluminum industry faces challenges, including reducing tailings disposal and water consumption. In bauxite beneficiation, the goal is to adjust particle size, increase available alumina, and reduce reactive silica, often found in fine clay-rich fractions. Traditional processes discard these fines into dams.
This study proposes an alternative that eliminates tailings generation by transforming the fine fraction into a co-product—Tecno-soil. Clay minerals are dewatered, combined with organic and mineral inputs, and applied directly to mined areas. Tecno-soil supports soil restoration by enhancing microbial activity, aggregation, water infiltration, and carbon sequestration.
Initial trials using a closed-circuit for disaggregation and classification produced fines with poor water infiltration. Organic amendments and cover crops were insufficient. Field experiments showed improved corn growth with increasing Tecno-soil thickness.
Throught improvements in a new round of tests, disaggregation and washing were enhanced, yielding a coarser fines fraction. This material now serves in rehabilitation projects. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Recycling and Secondary Recovery, Aluminum, |