Logistic makes it indispensable that the recycling of bauxite residue in the region of Pará and Maranhão uses various technological alternatives

This research analyzes the alternatives for recycling bauxite residue (BR) in the Brazilian states of Maranhão and Pará, focusing on the logistical obstacles and the economic and environmental costs associated with transportation. Bauxite is the ore from which alumina is refined and then aluminum is produced. During the refining of bauxite, bauxite residue is produced, which generates significant environmental concerns due to its high volume and alkaline content. This study adopts a qualitative and quantitative methodology, resorting to bibliographic studies to examine various recycling options, including the use of bauxite residue in cement manufacturing and as an input in the steel industry. The results indicate that physical processes for treating bauxite residue can produce valuable byproducts, such as construction sand, while reducing the total amount of waste. The transportation, financial, and environmental costs make it necessary to use various alternatives for recycling. The most promising is the use as a raw material in the steel industry.