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 hasn't 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 case study of alumina companies in the complete 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 red-mud. Henan Aluminium Industry Transformation and Growth Action Plan (2018-2010) clearly states that by 2020 the comprehensive usage rate of red clay will reach 10%. 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 and bricks.

2. Weiqiao Group, 2018: On the 5.3 km roadbed in Binzhou of Jiqing's expressway, 20,000 tonnes of red mud were applied. According to estimates each kilometer of expressway could consume 200,000 tons red mud. Provincial highways could consume 60,000 tonnes red mud. Municipal roads could consume 20,000 tonnes red mud. Future market opportunities are wide for countries in China that have a lot of highway mileage.

Third, a typical example of the use of red clay by social forces

Shandong Satellite TV broadcasted a story on December 31st, 2018 about Zibo Tianzhirun Ecological Technology Co. Ltd. using large amounts of red dirt to produce permeable blocks (consumption 70,000 tons per year). The red-mud permeable-brick project was chosen as one of Shandong Province's top ten innovations for the circular economy in 2018 with a red-mud blend rate of 90%. The company boss invested 30 million. After Zui, only 2 houses had been studed.

This is not just like the fact that Inner Mongolian enterprises have spent hundreds of billions of dollars trying to crack the code on the production of alumina from fly ash and yet there has been no breakthrough.

Fourth, comprehensive red mud usage recommendations

At the moment, red mud is more commonly used in the production and roadbeds of bricks as well as for cement. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. There is a nearby plant that produces cement, and roadbeds are consumed in large quantities. 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 fully utilize red mud. The company's position will be reshaped by the profit margin in the alumina sector.

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