Operations
Refinery
Pioneer Alumina refinery is constructed to the highest international standards with basic engineering provided by Worley Parsons (Australia), detailed engineering done by SNC India, and co gen Power Plant designed by MN Dastur&Co. AluminPro Canada were the owner’s engineers for the refinery project
Extraction
Alumina production from bauxite is a complex industrial process that plays a vital role in Aluminium production. Bauxite, typically found in shallow, flat-lying deposits, is mined using surface mining methods such as open-pit mining and Alumina is extracted using a method called the Bayer process.
The powdered bauxite is mixed with a hot caustic soda solution in a digester vessel which dissolves the bauxite’s alumina content, forming a Sodium Aluminate solution.
The solution is then clarified to remove any solid impurities, and Aluminium Hydroxide crystals are precipitated from the solution by adding seed crystals and cooling the mixture. In a calcination process, the Aluminium Hydroxide crystals are then heated to high temperatures (around 1000°C) in a stationary kiln which causes the water in the crystals to evaporate, leaving behind pure Alumina.
Technology Consultants
Pioneer built Phase 1 of the Alumina Refinery with the support of world-renowned partners who have extensive experience in the aluminium industry.
Converting Raw Potential
The Alumina industry is a critical sector of the global economy, producing aluminium oxide (commonly known as alumina) that is used to manufacture various products, including aluminium metal, refractory materials and ceramics. Hence, the conversion requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that involves exploration, resource assessment, extraction, refining, production, and ongoing innovation and sustainability initiatives.
Co-Generation
Alumina refining requires steam as the prime energy for the extraction, refining, and producing alumina. In order to efficiently use the energy resources steam so generated is used for the production of electricity by employing a co-generation power plant. This enables provision for the complete steam and power requirement of the refinery reducing the dependency of power from the Grid. Therefore, selecting a relevant power generation technology that ensures reliable and sustainable steam &power is crucial to optimise production and lower operating costs.
Production
The production of alumina from bauxite is a critical step in the production of aluminium, and the efficiency of this process can impact the cost and availability of aluminium for various industrial applications.
Technology Partners & Equipment Suppliers
