Characterization and Valorization of Residual Clays from Bauxite Mining at the Sangaredi Mine
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Bauxite mining generates residues of natural origin (clays) as well as residues from aluminum extraction (red mud). These materials, often stored in heaps, represent a major environmental concern due to their complex composition and the large surface area they occupy, which could otherwise be used for agricultural purposes. In the context, a mineralogical and geotechnical characterization of two residual clays (ABPS, ABMS) from the Sangarédi bauxite mine (Republic of Guinea), was carried out in order to determine their composition and assess their potential for valorization. Several analytical techniques were used, including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DSC), moisture content (%W), loss on ignition (LOI), specific surface area (SSA) and laser granulometry. The Mineralogical analysis revealed the presence of clay minerals such as kaolinite (35.56% and 68.33 %), muscovite (6.44 % and 8.27 %), illite (5.00 % and 6.97 %) and microcline (5.12 %), as well as impurities including hematite (2.18 and 15.11 %), gibbsite (43.25 %), and boehmite (3.77 %). Granulometric analysis shows that both residues are mainly composed of silt (51.5 % and 64.2 %), clay (23.4 % and 30.5 %) and sand (12.5 % and 15 %).
Source: HAL
Language: English
Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7154669751