Bauxite

Bauxite is a naturally occurring, heterogeneous material composed primarily of one or more aluminum hydroxide minerals, plus various mixtures of silica, iron oxide, titania, aluminosilicate, and other impurities in minor or trace amounts. It is the primary source of aluminum, which is extracted from the bauxite ore through the Bayer process. Bauxite is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, and its deposits are often found near the surface of the Earth, making it relatively easy to extract. The largest bauxite reserves are found in Guinea, Australia, Brazil, Jamaica, and India. Bauxite is used for a variety of purposes, including the production of aluminum, refractories, abrasives, chemicals, and cement.

The major exporting countries of bauxite include:

Australia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of bauxite, followed by Guinea and Brazil. These three countries together account for more than 65% of the world’s bauxite production. Other major bauxite-producing countries include Jamaica, India, and China.

The typical traded grades of bauxite can vary depending on the specific requirements of the buyer and the source of the bauxite. However, the following are some commonly traded grades of bauxite:

1. Trihydrate bauxite (THA) – This is the most commonly traded grade of bauxite and typically contains 40-60% alumina (Al2O3).
2. Monohydrate bauxite (MHA) – This grade of bauxite typically contains 60-70% alumina and is often used in the production of high-grade refractories.
3. Diasporic bauxite – This type of bauxite typically contains less than 50% alumina and is often used in low-grade applications such as cement and chemicals.
4. Gibbsite-rich bauxite – This type of bauxite typically contains more than 50% alumina and is often used in the production of high-grade refractories.
5. Bohemite bauxite – This type of bauxite typically contains more than 50% alumina and is often used in the production of alumina chemicals.

The quality of bauxite can also be measured by other factors such as the percentage of silica, iron oxide, titania, and other impurities present in the ore. These factors can affect the suitability of the bauxite for specific applications.

Bauxite exported in bulk shipment typically involves several steps to ensure that the material meets the specifications of the buyer and is suitable for the intended use. The following is a general overview of the inspection process:

1. Sampling – Samples are taken from multiple locations throughout the bauxite stockpile to ensure that the sample is representative of the entire lot. Another key inspection is to check for the Transportable Moisture Limits or commonly known as TML. This is to ensure safety at sea that the material loaded will be encounter liquefaction, which could cause the bulk vessel to sink.
2. Laboratory analysis – The samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the chemical composition of the bauxite, including alumina, silica, iron oxide, titania, and other impurities.
3. Moisture content – The moisture content of the bauxite is measured to ensure that it is within the acceptable range for shipment.
4. Particle size distribution – The particle size distribution of the bauxite is also measured to ensure that it meets the buyer’s specifications.
5. Shipment inspection – Once the bauxite is loaded onto the bulk vessel, an inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the cargo is properly stowed and secured and that the cargo is not contaminated during loading.
6. Sampling during loading – During the loading process, additional samples are taken to ensure that the quality of the bauxite remains consistent throughout the shipment, to which effect the quality certified are final and binding for commercial settlement.
7. The inspection process may vary depending on the specific requirements of the buyer and the destination country’s regulations.

We offer materials of 48%Al2O3.

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