IB2 has developed a technology for refining alumina from low-grade bauxite using a circular economy model that processes local bauxite waste into high-yield beneficiated ore. This approach addresses the scarcity and high cost of quality bauxite by providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for alumina production.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
The increasing demand for aluminum is putting pressure on the supply of high-quality bauxite ore, which is becoming scarce and expensive. Traditional alumina refining processes also generate significant amounts of red mud waste and consume large quantities of caustic soda, posing environmental challenges.
Solution
IB2 provides a technology for refining alumina from low-grade bauxite, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to reliance on high-quality ore. The IB2 process upgrades low-quality bauxite to a higher available alumina content, enabling refineries to extract more alumina locally while reducing the need for imports. This approach minimizes environmental impact by lowering CO2 emissions, decreasing red mud production by up to 60%, and reducing caustic soda consumption by up to 70%. The IB2 process also produces tobermorite, a valuable co-product used in green cement production, further enhancing its sustainability profile.
Target Audience
IB2's primary customers are alumina refineries seeking to reduce production costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance the sustainability of their operations.
Features
- Innovative process for upgrading low-grade bauxite to high-grade ore
- Reduced red mud discharge by up to 60% compared to traditional Bayer process
- Decreased caustic soda consumption by up to 70%
- Production of tobermorite, a co-product usable as green cement
- Enables local sourcing of bauxite, reducing reliance on imports
- Lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional alumina refining
- Potential for funding or co-funding of IB2-driven refinement process renovation