Mines ministry to explore ways of effectively utilising red mud

The workshop discussed the present status regarding the generation of red mud and its safe disposal and utilization. The workshop was organised in association with the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) Nagpur.

Red mud is a solid waste generated during the aluminium production process. This is an environmental concern due to presence of impurities such as caustic soda and others minerals. Global generation of red mud is more than 150 million tonnes and there exists a global inventory of more than 3 billion tonnes. Red mud generation in India is around 9 million tonnes per year.

The meet was widely attended by representatives from organisations like ministry of environment and climate change, CPCB, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, BARC, Indian Bureau of Mines, ministry of road transport, NHAI and BIS, Engineer-in-Chief of Army, top executives from all three primary aluminium producing companies, viz, Nalco, Vedanta and Hindalco as well as from user industries like cement and ceramic industry. 

Interacting with the stakeholders, Anil Mukim, secretary, ministry of mines asked all stake holders to work in synergy to find a lasting solution for productive utilisation of red mud.

The day-long deliberations were held to focus all efforts for effective bulk utilisation of red mud with necessary government support, which will be a win-win situation for all the stakeholders. Based on the deliberations, a roadmap will be prepared for the productive utilisation of red mud.