We have spoken all the time about how effective the aluminium alloys could be in a wide range of applications like defence, aerospace, automotive, building and construction and energy storage, which will finally support decarbonisation. Aluminium, with its light weight, superior corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and high strength-to-weight ratio, is rapidly making its mark in the above product segment. Let us focus our attention on how the primary aluminium Industry can also be a reliable source for extremely critical minerals like gallium, graphite, neodymium and scandium. Let’s begin with gallium.

Focus: Gallium- Semiconductor and Chip

Gallium is considered to be in high demand for its very critical application in electronics and semiconductors. For gallium, bauxite is its primary source besides zinc ores. Recovering gallium from Bayer’s process liquor is a technically and economically feasible task and is being done at an industrial scale.

Gallium has its stable and soluble compound in the form of sodium gallate and therefore, it occurs very much along with sodium aluminate. A critical aspect is the very low concentration of sodium gallate in Bayer liquor.

Gallium in the liquor may range from 60 to 80 ppm. Therefore, a reliable process needs to be adopted to extract gallium compounds and then convert them to highly pure gallium metal.

Graphite: A game-changer in energy transition

Another critical material which plays a crucial role in the energy transition is graphite. Graphite is used as an anode in Li-Battery and is considered a critical material for automotive and renewable energy, and therefore fulfils the net-zero CO2 target.

Graphite is critical for many nations, and it needs to be imported by them. Graphite mixed with other impurities is generated as a waste from the electrolytic cell, where aluminium metal is produced. Primary Aluminium producers, which utilise good quality graphite, also return the majority of this Graphite as waste that needs to be disposed of.

Innovative processing produces high-quality graphite and other valuable products from this waste. In one of my patented works, I have demonstrated that battery-grade graphite can be extracted at a high yield.

Red mud: Most talked about subject- wealth from waste

Now I will discuss the most talked-about subject for today’s engine of technological growth. Red mud generated from Bayer’s process contains invaluable rare earths like lanthanum, cerium, scandium, neodymium and also titanium.

Scandium is of very high value and a technology game-changer with its combination with aluminium. Al-Sc alloy offers high strength, high corrosion resistance, and high weldability and it is unique to find so many features in one single alloy.

Titanium is a great metal of significant technological value. Therefore, processing of Red Mud, which is at the focal point today, can generate a very important business opportunity and address the shortage of critical minerals. I would perhaps go further and conclude that days are not far off when the primary aluminium industry will be equally important and known for products other than aluminium.