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P507D

Status : Management

Chemistry and Transport of Trace Elements in Bayer Liquors

Sponsors

  • Alcoa of Australia Limited
  • BHP Billiton/Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd
  • Hydro Aluminium Metal Products
  • Rio Tinto Alcan Limited

Research Providers

  • Murdoch University
  • Professor Glenn Hefter

    Professor Peter M May

  • Parker CRC for Hydrometallurgy Solutions

Value : AUD $600,000.00 Duration : 3 years
Commenced : 01 Jul 2011 AMIRA : Mr Gray Bailey

Many trace elements are present in Bayer liquors. These come almost entirely from the bauxite ore, where they may occur either as pure minerals in small amounts or (more often) as contaminants of other mineral components. In most cases, the concentration of each trace element in the plant liquors tends to increase until a steady state is reached. This project aims to increase the understanding of the chemistry of these elements in highly concentrated, alkaline solutions and allow improved control of their deportment through alumina refineries.