RECYCLING POSSIBILITIES OF RED MUD IN THE ALUMINIUM PLANT IN PODGORICA

In the immediate vicinity of the Aluminum Plant in Podgorica (KAP) there is a red mud dump. This landfill still represents one of the most significant environmental burdens not only in Montenegro, but also in the region. While it is a hazardous byproduct generated during the production of aluminum from bauxite, red mud also presents a potential deposit of secondary mineral raw materials. Production of red mud began in 1969 with the construction of the factory. Since then, continuous disposal has resulted in an estimated 7.5 million tons of this waste accumulating in basins covering an area of 45,000 m2. These substantial quantities of red mud offer the potential for extraction of valuable secondary raw materials. Based on chemical and radiological analyses, red mud consists of inorganic components, such as oxides of Al, Fe, Si, Ca and Ti, which give it its red color. In addition to oxides, there are also hydroxides, the most abundant of which is NaOH. Noble metals (Ag and Au), lanthanoids and actinoids and radioactive metals were also found in traces. The red mud pool has changed its ownership structure since 2005, and since 2014 it has been owned by the company "Weg Kolektor" from Berane. The problem of red mud management is complex due to the potential ecological, economic, social and technical safety implications, because it is a material of high alkalinity, whose inadequate disposal can cause even greater contamination of water, air and soil. Despite the challenges, red mud has significant potential for recycling and extraction of secondary mineral raw materials, which can be a chance to improve the Montenegrin economy. Its rich mineral composition would enable application in the cement industry, production of building materials and remediation of contaminated soil. Research is focused on the development of technologies to reduce harmful impacts and increase its economic profitability. Red mud is directly related to energy sector, both through the aluminum production process itself, which is extremely energy-demanding, and through potential ways to reduce its environmental problems, including research into the possibility of their use for industrial purposes. This paper discusses the ecological characteristics of red mud and the possibilities of sustainable management, with the aim of providing an overview of current solutions and innovations that contribute to reducing its impact on the environment with the implementation of ecological standards and processes. Recycling red mud is a major challenge due to its complex chemical composition, large volume and potential toxicity. However, there are various technological solutions that can help in its exploitation and safe removal or remediation.