New Technology for Efficient Resource Utilization of Red Mud from Bayer Process

The composition, properties, present utilization situation and new technology of high efficient utilization of red mud from Bayer process are introduced. The red mud mainly contains Fe, Al, Si, Ca, Na, Ti, O and a few rare metals such as Sc, V, Zr, Ta and Nb, etc. Because of the low grade of the recovered elements and the high content of silicon and calcium, it is difficult to produce benefit in the past red mud metallurgical treatment technology. Therefore, the author developed a new technology: Leach red mud with dilute hydrochloric acid, then the pulp is seperated by sedimentation to obtain a compound water purifying agent product and Leach residue, and the leach residue is magnetically separated to obtain iron concentrate product and titanium-rich slag, the titanium-rich slag is recirculated leached with sulfuric acid to obtain the titanium-rich liquid and the sulfuric acid leached slag. The titanium, scandium and vanadium are recovered from the titanium-rich liquid. The method has the advantages of simple process, low energy consumption, cheap raw and auxiliary materials, large market demand and remarkable social, economic and environmental benefits.