PRODUCTION OF METALLIC IRON WITH ALKALINE ELECTROLYSIS UNDER LOW TEMPERATURES

Under the ULCOWIN and the SIDERWIN projects a novel process for carbon-free iron production has been developed. Iron ore is reduced to metallic iron through electrolysis in aqueous alkaline solutions. This research paper investigates the use of Bauxite Residue from the alumina industry, as an alternative raw material for iron production under the same technology. The process is investigated, in a high alkaline environment and under low temperature and ambient conditions.  Several parameters, as well as their effect in the efficiency of the system, were examined at lab scale. Under the optimum combination of parameters studied iron production was achieved at current efficiencies exceeding 70%. Bauxite Residue has therefore the potential to be used as an alternative raw material in iron production through this novel sustainable process.