EGA's Turba: Transforming bauxite residue into innovative soil for a sustainable UAE

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has initiated the construction of a first-of-its-kind pilot plant to convert bauxite residue, a waste stream generated during alumina refining, into a specially engineered soil known as 'Turba.'

EGA's Turba, created from bauxite residue, offers a promising alternative to address the country's soil scarcity. Moreover, early studies indicate that Turba may possess up to 10 times better carbon dioxide absorption properties than natural soil in the UAE.

The significance of this project lies in its potential to address one of the most challenging waste streams in the aluminium industry. The pilot plant, believed to be the first of its kind globally, is the culmination of five years of scientific research and development conducted by EGA in collaboration with a consortium of global research partners.

The breakthrough technology developed by EGA allows for the neutralisation of caustic bauxite residue into an environmentally benign raw material within hours, a stark contrast to the natural processes that typically take decades. The resulting Optimised Bauxite Residue is the primary component for the innovative manufactured soil, Turba, a name derived from the Arabic word for soil.

Expected to be completed by 2024, the plant has already shown promising results in laboratory-scale trials, demonstrating that Turba significantly enhances plant growth using less water and fertilisers than local sandy alternatives.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA said, "The construction of this pilot plant is an important milestone in our drive to find productive uses for bauxite residue, which has been a challenge since the dawn of our industry. Manufactured soil has great potential as a solution, as it meets an important need in the UAE. Our goal is to develop and prove multiple solutions, to ensure all bauxite residue produced in the UAE is used in the UAE, contributing to a more circular economy." 

The pilot plant's construction marks a crucial milestone in EGA's commitment to sustainable practices and waste reduction. 

EGA's long-term vision includes using bauxite residue for various applications, such as steel, cement, and construction industries. The organisation aspires to send zero-process waste to landfills, aligning with its dedication to environmental responsibility.

The UAE, characterised by limited naturally occurring soil, imports substantial quantities annually for greening and agricultural purposes. 

The construction of the pilot plant, located at EGA's site in Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, covers an area of 900 square meters and incorporates 230 tonnes of steel, over two kilometres of piping, and 10 separate tanks. The heart of the plant, a specialised filtration system, was constructed in Finland and transported to the UAE in June.