Alumina, or aluminium oxide (Al2O3), is typically produced through the processing of aluminium-bearing minerals found in bauxite. These minerals include gibbsite (γ-Al(OH)3), bӧhmite (γ-AlO(OH)) and diaspore (α-ALO(OH)). Australia produces approximately 28% of the world’s Bauxite and approximately 16% of the world’s alumina (USGS 2018). To date the most widely used process for alumina extraction is the Bayer process. The Bayer process involves a number of key steps including: milling, digestion, desilication, clarification, precipitation and calcination. The refined alumina product from the Bayer process is a dry, pure white, sand-like material.
Alumina produced through the Bayer process is primarily used for the production of aluminium through the process known as the Hall–Héroult process. Additionally it is also often used in refractories, ceramics, polishing and abrasive applications.
Range of Capabilities:
- Metallurgical testplans
- Project management
- Metallurgical summary reports
- Flowsheets
- Mass balances
- P&IDs
- Vendor evaluation
- Project implementation
- Engineering studies
- Environmental studies
- Process description/Equipment lists
- Detailed design
Please send through your enquiry today via email to info@metsengineering.com and we will call you to discuss your project.
Project Experience:
| Client | Service |
|---|---|
| Alcoa Alumina | Various projects including characterising different bauxite ore types, mill surveys, specific surveys, various testwork |
| Worsley Alumina | Due diligence when Reynolds sold their interest including digestion studies and efficiency upgrade |
| Australian Bauxite | Testwork and consulting for Direct Shipping Ore including washing trials to meet specification |
| Guinea Bauxite Project | Assistance with feasibility study |
| Guinea | Bauxite Project Consulting |
| Aughinish Alumina | Studies and process improvements |
| Confidential Client – Expert Witness | Issue over a Alumina Smelter in Canada Attended supreme court in Melbourne on behalf of our client |
| High Purity Alumina | Scoping Study |
| High Purity Alumina | Testwork |
Sharing Our Knowledge:
Mineral Processing Course
We offer a course that gives participants in-depth knowledge of the broader aspects of mineral processing. A wide range of topics is covered and participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental unit processes, equipment and flowsheets as well as physical and chemical mineral processing principles. Read more about our course here.