Hydro’s Alunorte bauxite deposit area receives suspension of embargo from IBAMA

Brazilian federal environment agency IBAMA has reportedly lifted the embargo on Hydro’s new Alunorte bauxite residue deposit area DRS2, but embargo from the federal court system still remains in place.

IBAMA has lifted the embargo after reviewing information requested by Alunorte and SEMAS, the local environmental agency in the state of Para. This decision follows an exceptional authorisation granted by IBAMA to Alunorte on October 5, to utilise its state-of-the-art press filter technology in the processing of bauxite residues.

However, the suspension of the embargo on Alunorte alumina refinery by IBAMA would not allow for an immediate resumption of DRS2 testing and commissioning phase, as the embargo from the federal court remains outstanding.

The resumption of commissioning and tests activities on DRS 2 would allow Alunorte to make the planned transition from DRS1 to the new residue deposit and to the new technology.

Hydro`s EVP of Bauxite & Alumina John Thuestad said: "The new bauxite residue deposit, together with the press filter, is the world's most modern bauxite residue treatment technology. We will continue the dialogue with the authorities to seek the permission to utilize the new deposit area, as this is fundamental for the sustainability and continuity of the refinery's operations."

Prior to the embargos imposed in March 2018, the refinery was in the process of commissioning the press filters and DRS2, with an aim to gradually ramp them up while simultaneously reducing the use of drum filters and the old DRS1 deposit area. The state-of-the-art press filter technology significantly reduces moisture in residue material, enabling it to be dry stacked, and thereby reduces the required storage area.

"This is a development in the right direction for Alunorte, bringing us one step closer to our original plan of replacing DRS1 with DRS2, based on modern press filter technology," says the head of Hydro's Bauxite and Alumina business area, John Thuestad.  "In a longer-term perspective, using press filters in combination with DRS2 represents the only sustainable solution for Alunorte - environmentally as well as operationally," says Thuestad further.