Ars Technica
3 months agoAluminum mining waste could be a source of green steel
Researchers have found a way to extract iron and potentially other metals from mining waste created during aluminum production using hydrogen and electricity from renewable power sources.
This method reduces the environmental damage caused by separating metals from other minerals and lowers carbon emissions.
The red mud left behind after aluminum production contains iron oxides and other toxic materials and is currently stored in containment ponds, but could potentially be used as a source of iron. [ more ]