Bauxite Refining

The industrial process of converting bauxite ore into alumina (Al₂O₃) using the Bayer process, which involves digestion in hot caustic soda solution, clarification, precipitation of aluminium hydroxide, and calcination. Bauxite refining is the intermediate step between bauxite mining and aluminium smelting. Refinery efficiency depends on bauxite grade, mineralogy, reactive silica content, and process conditions. Global bauxite refining occurs predominantly in Australia, China, Brazil, and India, close to bauxite mine sources or aluminium smelters.