Neutralisation of bauxite processing residue with copperac

Ho, G.E., Newman, P.W.G., Mathew, K. and De Potter, H. (1985) Neutralisation of bauxite processing residue with copperac. In: Thirteenth Australian Chemical Engineering Conference - CHEMECA 85, 25 - 28 August, Perth, Western Australia.

Abstract

The possible utilisation of bauxite processing residue (red mud) for incorporation into poor sands is described. Neutralisation of the alkalinity in the red mud is necessary before its application. Copperas, another industrial residue, is shown to be a suitable neutralising agent. Experiments showed that the addition of 5 to 7% (w/w) copperas from SCM Chemicals could neutralise the alkalinity of ALCOA's red mud, with the product having the necessary characteristics for use as a soil amender.