“For fertiliser, a 2014 field trial conducted in Southland and Otago, New Zealand, evaluated the effectiveness of Clover 1 and B10 fertilisers, produced by Taha Fertiliser Industries, on pasture and crop production,” said Mr Frank Pollmann, Founder, TAHA International

In conversation with Mr. Frank Pollmann, Founder, TAHA International explained how TAHA has revolutionised aluminium dross processing by eliminating the use of salts and chemicals, which are traditionally used but harmful to the environment. He acknowledges that achieving high metal recovery without these additives was challenging. To overcome this, TAHA adopted an innovative approach: locating their processing units close to their clients' furnaces. This smart positioning allows them to use the residual heat already present in the dross, removing the need for additional reheating. The result is a fast, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly process that can recover up to 90 per cent of the aluminium in the first step. Any remaining metal is then recovered using a second-stage mechanical separation process.

AL Circle: TAHA is known for its unique, environmentally friendly aluminium dross processing solutions. What were your key challenges in developing these salt and chemical-free solutions, and how have you overcome them to maintain their scalability and effectiveness?

Mr Frank Pollmann: TAHA International is a multi-discipline solutions provider specialising in environmentally friendly aluminium dross processing. Their award-winning, innovative, salt and chemical-free methods have set new benchmarks in an industry looking to be cleaner, greener, and smarter.

Developing salt and chemical-free aluminium dross processing solutions presented significant challenges, particularly in achieving high metal recovery rates without the use of traditional additives. TAHA overcame these obstacles by positioning their processing facilities close to clients' furnaces, eliminating the need to reheat dross and harnessing the energy already present in the dross. This rapid, low-energy process allows for the recovery of up to 90% of available metal in the first stage, with the remaining aluminium recovered through meticulous mechanical separation in a second stage.

AL Circle: TAHA has successfully turned residuals from dross into value-added products such as steel slag conditioners and agricultural fertilisers. Could you elaborate on the most promising products derived from your processing technology and their impact on various industries?

Mr Frank Pollmann: TAHA transforms residuals from dross into valuable products, including steel slag conditioners, agricultural fertilisers, and ATH.

Their proprietary Alobriq S range of steel slag conditioners effectively lower sulphur and non-metallic inclusions in steel production, enhancing efficiency without harming the environment. Alobriq S is an alumina-based steel slag conditioner briquette designed to enhance the efficiency of steel production by reducing slag melting temperature and viscosity. Injected during tapping and the initial phase of Ladle Furnace treatment, it deoxidises iron and alloying elements in the slag, making them reusable for alloying. Comprising 88-92% alumina (with 18-30% free aluminium activated at 1400°C), 0.5-4% silica, 2-7% magnesia, and minimal lime and iron oxides, the 50mm, 50g grey briquettes are odourless and packaged in 1 MT HDPE jumbo bags for industrial use.

For fertiliser, a 2014 field trial conducted in Southland and Otago, New Zealand, evaluated the effectiveness of Clover 1 and B10 fertilisers, produced by Taha Fertiliser Industries, on pasture and crop production. Clover 1, applied at 200 kg/ha, achieved up to a 64% increase in pasture yield, while B10, applied at 100 kg/ha, showed a maximum increase of 38%. Results highlighted that autumn applications were more effective than spring applications, with Clover 1 and B10 increasing autumn yields by 17% and 10%, respectively. Both fertilisers demonstrated comparable results to Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), with Clover 1 performing best under irrigated conditions. Challenges such as wet conditions and grazing patterns influenced results at some sites. The trial underscores the potential of these fertilisers for enhancing pasture production across diverse environments and conditions.

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