:: Outokumpu Technology to Deliver a Residue Neutralization Plant for Queensland Alumina

Queensland Alumina Ltd (QAL) has awarded a contract to Outokumpu Technology for the provision of a plant to neutralize and concentrate bauxite residues from its Gladstone alumina refinery. The contract value is approximately EUR 20 million.

QAL's Gladstone alumina refinery is the largest in Australia, and it converts over nine million tonnes of bauxite per year into the white powder, alumina, used for downstream production of aluminum metal. Bauxite residue is what remains of the bauxite after the extraction of its alumina content.

The neutralization plant will utilize Outokumpu Technology's innovative clarification technology. In the process, the bauxite residue slurry is first neutralized by seawater, then the seawater is clarified in accordance with strict standards before re-release into the environment. The bauxite residue is further concentrated and finally dried in the sun before storage. The new plant will enable QAL to continue to utilize their existing containment areas and improve the vegetation and environmental conditions in the area.

The plant will be designed and fabricated in Australia. Commissioning is expected to take place in late 2007.