In the absence of new countries that can replace the decrease in aluminum demand caused by China's slowdown, the era high profits is expected for the alumina sector.
Only the complete utilization of red mud (also known as "the worldwide problem"), which is expected to bring the next profit, can be expected in the case where the alumina manufacturing process has not been changed for decades.

The first thing you need to know about red mud

Alumina produces approximately 1.5 tons of red clay, which has a particle size of between 0.088 and 0.25 mm, an average specific gravity of 2.7-9.0, a bulk mass density of between 0.8 and 1.00, and a melting range of 1250-1250 degC. Below is a table that shows the composition of red clay:

The Bayer method is used to produce the majority of alumina in China. The Bayer Method is characterized with high levels of iron, aluminium and alkali.

Second, the typical alumina case in the utilization of red clay

1. Chinalco Shandong Branch. The data available shows that in 2016, the red mud utilization rate was 25 percent. China's enterprises that produce alumina have a high utilization rate, with accumulated consumption exceeding 12 million liters of red clay. Henan Aluminium Industry Transformation and Growth Action Plan (2018-2020), clearly states that the comprehensive usage rate of red clay will reach 10% by 2020. No harm will come if there is no comparison. China's comprehensive utilization rate is too low. The main uses of mountain aluminum red clay are the development of new coal-burning de-sulfurizer technologies, high-grade concrete, highway subgrades, brick-making and water purifying agents.

2. Weiqiao Group, 2018: 20,000 tons of mud red were used to cover the 5.3 km roadbed in the Binzhou section Jiqing Expressway. Estimates state that a kilometer-long expressway could consume up to 200,000 tons, while a provincial highway can consume up to 60,000 tonnes, and municipal roadways can consume as much as 20,000 tons. Future market opportunities are wide for countries in China that have a lot of highway mileage.

Third, the case of the typical social forces that are involved in the full-scale use of red clay

Shandong Satellite TV aired a report on December 31, 2018, about Zibo Tianzhirun Ecological Technology Co. Ltd. using a large quantity of red dirt to produce permeable clay bricks (consumption 70,000 tons red dirt per year). The company's red-mud permeables brick project, which has a red-mud blending ratio of 90%, was chosen as one of Shandong Province's top ten innovations for the circular economy in 2018. The company boss invested 30 million. After Zui, only 2 houses had been studed.

This is not only reminiscent that enterprises in Inner Mongolia have spent hundreds of billions of dollars trying to crack the code on the production of alumina from fly ash and yet there hasn't been a breakthrough.

Fourth, comprehensive red mud usage recommendations

Red mud has been used for a longer time in the production and use of roadbeds. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. There is a nearby plant that produces cement, but the consumption of roadbeds is high. The future demand for permeable blocks is low in economically developed areas. Therefore, it's possible to promote the production of these bricks nationwide. The only disadvantage is the fact that it is more cost-effective to sell bricks within a radius of 800 kilometers.

China's red mud alumina is generally used at a very low rate. Our utilization rate may not be as low as that of other countries, but we cannot compare ourselves to foreign countries. China's alumina has entered a new era, one of self-transcendence. We are now able to make full use of red mud. Profit margins are expected to reshape alumina's market position.

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