Improvement of the effectiveness of making alumina by the Updated ILTD Process: alumina refineries in India as examples (Part 1)
For those who are familiar with alumina production by the Bayer Process it is evident that that the Cost of Production (COP) largely depends on the Available alumina (A.Al) and Reactive silica (R.Si) content of the particular bauxite. The caustic consumption, which is mainly dependent on A.Al and R.Si; constitutes the second largest cost item after the cost of bauxite in the Bayer process.
In India there are large lateritic bauxite resources with medium available alumina (trihydrated alumina, THA) and medium to high Reactive SiO2 content. With the deteriorating bauxite quality, refineries are struggling to keep the alumina production cost at the low level.
The Updated Improved Low Temperature Digestion (ILTD) Process as a novel way to increase the economic and environmental effectiveness of the alumina production is summarised in this paper.
Unlock full access – sign up for FREE.
Key benefits
World alumina production aligns with demand forecast, with a 6% growth in Q3 2025
Next articleChina's alumina production with 8% growth rate races ahead of primary aluminium, signalling surplus pressure
Grow with
AL Circle
