Metallurgical Bauxite

Metallurgical Bauxite from Pakistan

Bauxite is the world’s primary source of aluminium. Metallurgical-grade bauxite is refined into alumina (Al₂O₃) through the Bayer process, and the alumina is then electrolytically smelted into aluminium metal in the Hall-Heroult process. The quality of bauxite for alumina refining is determined primarily by its Al₂O₃ content, reactive silica level, and the Al₂O₃/SiO₂ ratio. Pakistan’s bauxite deposits occur as both lateritic and sedimentary formations, yielding ore with 45-55% Al₂O₃ content. The ore has a characteristic mix of grey, tan, and cream-colored lumps with a pisolitic or massive texture.

Available Forms

• Run-of-mine (ROM) lumps: 10-300 mm

• Crushed ore: 0-50 mm, 0-25 mm, 0-10 mm

• Screened lumps: 25-75 mm, 10-40 mm

• Washed ore (reduced clay and fines)

• Custom sizing available

Industrial Uses

• Alumina refining (Bayer process): Metallurgical bauxite is digested in hot caustic soda (NaOH) to dissolve aluminium hydroxide, which is then precipitated, calcined, and converted into smelter-grade alumina (SGA). This is the single largest use of bauxite globally, consuming over 85% of all bauxite mined

• Aluminium smelting: Smelter-grade alumina produced from metallurgical bauxite is electrolytically reduced to aluminium metal in Hall-Heroult cells. Approximately 4-5 tonnes of bauxite are needed to produce 2 tonnes of alumina, which yields 1 tonne of aluminium

• Chemical alumina: Bauxite is processed into specialty alumina products including activated alumina (desiccants, catalysts), tabular alumina (refractories), and white fused alumina (abrasives)

• Aluminium chemicals: Raw material for aluminium sulphate (water treatment), polyaluminium chloride (PAC), aluminium fluoride, and other aluminium-based chemicals

• Cement manufacturing: Low-grade or off-spec bauxite is used as an alumina-corrective in cement raw mix and as a raw material for high-alumina cement (HAC/CAC) production

• Proppants: Sintered bauxite microspheres are used as hydraulic fracturing proppants in oil and gas well stimulation

Quality Assurance

Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis reporting Al₂O₃ (total and available), SiO₂ (total and reactive), Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, CaO, LOI, moisture, and size distribution. The Al₂O₃/SiO₂ ratio is a critical specification for Bayer process suitability. Pre-shipment samples are provided for buyer approval. Third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek, or equivalent) can be arranged on request.