Recent IBAAS Events

IBAAS has recently organised a three day symposium from Dec 3 to 5, 2012 in Nagpur. The theme of the Symposium was “Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium Industry of Asia – Vision 2020” with special Sessions on “Non-metallurgical bauxites and alumina products”. 

 The response to our invitation for participation in the Symposium was overwhelming - over 120 delegates from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Russia and USA participated in the symposium. About 60 abstracts on various aspects of bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry were received and more than 50 presentations made during these 3 days covering all the aspects of bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry. With the Indian aluminium industry poised for a large expansion with 3 greenfield alumina refineries in the eastern region of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh being either in advanced stage of construction / nearing completion stage and one more alumina refinery planned in Gujarat, the deliberations in the Symposium were found to be valuable for all the participants.

 The highlight of the symposium was as follows:

• Presentation on the new Orbite Alumina production Technology by Antoine Charbonneau of Orbite Inc. Canada: a non-polluting process developed to extract alumina from clay and other alternative raw materials.  In the last 150 years, the Bayer’s process was the only technology for extraction of alumina from bauxite and now we are witnessing an era of new technology being introduced in Canada. Many Indian companies and alumina producers have taken keen interest in this new technology and a series of discussions took place during the Symposium.
  
•  Presentation on ‘Indian Aluminium Industry – What ails its growth?’ highlighting some unfounded ideas on environment and waste disposal issues preventing the growth of Indian aluminium industry. The paper evoked wide interest with a broad spectrum of participants and press reacting favourably to the arguments advanced.   
  
•  In the present depressed market scenario and for the survival of bauxite-alumina industry, it is necessary to produce value added products. Keeping this in view, a special session on “Special alumina products” was organised. The lead paper in this area was presented by Almatis, one of the largest special alumina producers of the world. An entire session was devoted to the latest developments of alumina ceramics research and production in the country.
  
•  Presentation by CGCRI KOLKATA on latest developments in use of high iron bauxite in refractory industry evoked a good interest among the non-metallurgical bauxite producers.
  
•  The papers on “Alumina by gas suspension calcinations-25 years development and experience” and “Process concept of Green Anode plant: today and tomorrow” providing new developments in the field were widely appreciated. 
  

In the concluding session delegates highlighted the following subjects/issues:

 

• The formation of International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Society (IBAAS) in this country to facilitate the development of aluminium industry in this part of the world, is a timely and appropriate action.
  
•  Future conferences should be organised in countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Gulf countries, where new alumina refineries and smelters are coming up. IBAAS will shortly announce the venue and dates for the next International event.
  
•  The symposium was successful in promoting new technological developments and facilitating networking among bauxite, alumina, aluminium producers and technology / equipment suppliers and special alumina researchers and producers. This signifies a good beginning for IBAAS.
  
•  There was an overwhelming consensus among the delegates that the high grade bauxite of Gujarat should be earmarked for value added non-metallurgical industry as there are limited resources of this quality ore in the country. On the other hand bauxite of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh can be earmarked for alumina-aluminium production.
  
•  Some of the delegates have expressed their concern in obtaining Mining Licenses for bauxite deposits in India for genuine user and investors, particularly in the States of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.  It is felt that the majority of the rich reserves of bauxite in India will never see the light of day and existing industry will face serious shortage, which may eventually lead to their closure. The Government authorities may consider the suggestion of setting up of a new organisation to look into the mining and prospecting license applications and use the resources for the benefit of society.
  
•  It was expressed that IBAAS should facilitate in transfer of technology, equipment / services for aluminium industries as well for non-metallurgical bauxite and special alumina producers.
  
•  Earnest attempts should be made to ensure active student participation in the future symposia and seminars of IBAAS.
  

The  IBAAS organising committee would like to thank all the participants, sponsors and advertisers of 2012 symposium.