Red mud

Red mud is a byproduct generated during the manufacturing of aluminum from bauxite ore. It is a thick, orange-red slurry composed mainly of iron oxide, silica, aluminum oxide, and other minerals. During processing, the raw materials are crushed, mixed with chemicals, and then refined to extract aluminum. The leftover waste, known as red mud, is typically stored in large containment ponds. Due to its high alkalinity and iron content, red mud can pose environmental challenges, but it also has potential uses in construction, pigment production, and soil remediation when properly managed.