Bauxite

It is a common misconception to believe that bauxite is a mineral. This is incorrect,

as bauxite is defined as an ore. An ore is a rock that contains minerals within its
structure. Bauxite is a sedimentary rock that is formed when weathered rock fragments
accumulate and cement together. Bauxite has the chemical formula Al 2O32H2O and has
a clay like appearance. Additionally, bauxite gets its name from a village in France
called Les Baux. In 1821, this village was the site of the first bauxite mine.

Figure 74: Bauxite with rounded masses of aluminium hydroxides.

(Source: http://www.sandatlas.org/2013/02/bauxite/)
One of the most distinctive features of bauxite is its reddish or reddish-brown
colour; this is due to the presence of iron (figure 74). However, bauxite can also be
white, tan and yellow in appearance. This is due to the type and concentration of iron
minerals present in it.
The largest quantities of bauxite are found in the tropical and sub - tropical regions
of the world. The heavy torrential rainfall and deep weathering processes wash away
silica leaving the aluminium deposits behind (as bauxite). The major deposits can be
found in Australia, Jamaica, Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela, Guyana, Guinea, India,
China, Russia, Kazakhstan and Greece.
Bauxite has proven to be extremely important to the economy of Jamaica. The
first shipment of bauxite was exported out of Ocho Rios in 1952. By 1957, Jamaica had
become the worlds top producer of bauxite. However by 1974, the island had slipped to
become the worlds fourth largest bauxite producer. Jamaicas bauxite deposits occur
across the middle of the island (ranging from east to west). The largest deposits can be
found in the parishes of St. Ann, Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny.
Bauxite contains commercially important aluminium oxides or alumina, which
must be extracted from the ore. Alumina is the name given to aluminium oxide (Al 2O3).

This alumina must then be processed using various methods to produce aluminium
(also called aluminum). Aluminium has the symbol Al and is silvery white in
appearance.

Figure 75: Alumina (Aluminium oxide) on the left and Aluminium metal on the right.
Alumina has a powdery white appearance while Aluminium metal is silvery white.
(Source:
http://www.indiamart.com/acmesynthetic/chemicals-and-acids.html
and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ocr_gateway/chemical_resources/m
aking_carsrev1.shtml)
Properties of Aluminium:
Aluminium is extremely light with a density one - third that of steel.
When exposed to air or moisture, a protective film of oxide forms on the surface
to prevent further corrosion.

Aluminium has a high conductivity of electricity. However its conductivity is not as

high as copper. Aluminium is also a great conductor of heat.

Aluminium is non - poisonous to humans.

Aluminium is also a good reflector of both light and heat.

Uses of Aluminium:
Based on its lightness and toughness, aluminium is used in the construction of
cars (engine blocks, cylinder heads and body panels), trucks and buses.
Aluminium is also a vital component in the construction of aircraft.

Aluminium is also used in the construction sector. It is used in the production of

roofing and wall cladding. It is also used in the fabrication of doors, windows and
screens.

Since aluminium is non - toxic and durable, it is used to produce beverage cans
and foil. It is also a key component of packing material used for juice cartons and
pharmaceutical packaging.

Aluminium is used to make cooking utensils such as kettles, saucepans and

kitchenware.

Since it has high electrical conductivity, aluminium is also used to make electrical
wires and cables.

Bauxite mining and processing

Before mining and extraction can commence, an evaluation of the soil in the
region must be conducted to determine whether alumina, silica and iron exists in
abundance. Next, the vegetation is cleared and the top soil is removed. Unlike other
minerals and ores, bauxite is usually found near to the Earths surface. Thus, open - pit
mines are constructed to reach the bauxite. Once the bauxite has been extracted, it is
loaded onto trucks and transported to the processing plants.
Extracting the alumina (the Bayer process):
Alumina is the name given to aluminium oxide (Al 2O3). It is extracted from bauxite
by a technique called the Bayer process.

The bauxite is first crushed and then mixed with a hot concentrated solution of
sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The NaOH dissolves the oxides of aluminium and
silica but not the other materials such as the iron oxides (which remains
insoluble). The insoluble impurities are removed by filtration.

The filtered solution (containing the oxides of aluminium and silica) then passes
into tanks where remaining solid impurities are allowed to sink to the bottom. It
does so as a fine, red mud. The remaining solution, which is now alumina
trihydrate (Al(OH)3) is filtered again.

The Al(OH)3 is then cooled, concentrated and stirred in open tanks until it forms
crystals. Pure alumina is added to assist with the formation of Al(OH) 3 crystals.

Finally, the crystals are washed, filtered and heated in gas - fired kilns at
temperatures over 1100C to remove any water molecules. Once this is
completed, the alumina remains as a fine dry white powder.

Smelting the alumina:

Alumina is composed of both aluminium and oxygen. However the aluminium must
be separated during the smelting process to produce the aluminium metal. Smelting
uses electricity to separate the aluminium from the oxygen. This occurs in reduction
cells, which are large, steel, carbon lined furnaces. The alumina is fed into the cells
where it dissolves in molten cryolite. Cryolite is a liquid that can dissolve alumina and
conduct electricity at 970C.
The electricity is added into each cell via carbon anodes. A continuous electrical
current (of 100,000 to 320,000 Amps) is allowed to flow. This causes the alumina to
react with the carbon anode. The aluminium (in molten form) sinks to the bottom of the
reduction cell, where it is then siphoned off. It is then sent to a holding furnace to be
cast into various products. Casting is done in temperatures over 700C.
Points to note:

Aluminium smelters require a consistent and reliable supply of electricity. Very

large smelters are often built near to rivers to take advantage of Hydroelectric
power. There are no smelters in Jamaica since the island lacks the electricity
supply needed for such operations.

Aluminium smelters tend to be situated in remote regions.

Smelters are also constructed along coastlines so that ships (loaded with
bauxite) can bring the raw material directly to the plant. This prevents transport
over land (using trucks) which is costly.

Environmental Impacts of Bauxite mining:

The problems experienced with bauxite mining are similar to those encountered
with gold mining. When the vegetation is cleared, the top soil is exposed and this results
in significant soil erosion. The displaced soil can then be washed away by torrential rain
causing siltation in river beds and other watercourses. Water courses become turbid
and this causes distress to aquatic life. Water becomes red making it unsuitable for
recreation and domestic use. Another point of concern relates to the massive
deforestation that occurs. This results in a loss of biodiversity, since most forest animals
will be displaced and will seek a new habitat. The loss of vegetation also decreases
interception. This results in a decreased lag time and can result in flooding of low lying
areas. Lastly, as with any kind of mining operation, bauxite mining generates dust and
noise. Both of these factors can be a nuisance to neighbouring communities, affecting
both humans and wildlife.