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Project Code [2014-RE-MS-1]

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Project title

Al Source

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Limerick (UL)

Lead Applicant

Ronan Courtney

Project Abstract

The Aughinish Alumina refinery produces approximately 1.9 million tonnes of bauxite residue annually which is currently stored in a 180 ha engineered impoundment. The residue is filtered to remove most of the water and the material is then deposited over an extended surface to dry out - this method is known as �dry stacking�. The management and ultimate closure of this facility is legislatively controlled by an industrial emissions licence (P0035-06). A new bauxite residue disposal area on the site was recently launched which will cover all the waste management needs until 2030 via landfill mechanism. It is clear that large volumes of residue are generated and stockpiled in Ireland and this represents an opportunity to investigate the recovery of rare earths from this residue and also the use of the residue as a filter for phosphorus in waste water. In addition, residue landfills receive negative press regarding potential environmental damage if the residue is not managed correctly. Valorisation projects such as Al-Source represent an occasion to promote more positive aspects including technology development, waste as a resource and potential economic benefits. � Databases and scientific reports from Work Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4 as previously detailed uploaded to the SMARTSIMPLE EPA site. � 4 Peer reviewed publications in �Hydrometallurgy� and �Waste Management� journals � 1 Final report � A two-page summary report on project results for the EPA website � �Al-Source� website with updated schedule at 6month intervals � Best practice guidelines for rare earth recovery from residues (approx., 5 page doc) � Best practice guidelines for use of residue for phosphorus recovery (approx., 5 page doc) � 2 page document on Irish policy regarding residue management

Grant Approved

�349,996.15

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Resource efficiency

Start Date

05/01/2015

Initial Projected Completion Date

04/01/2018