Is the bauxite residue deposited permanently?
The bauxite residue is deposited permanently, however some time after operations cease, it would potentially be converted and used for more valuable purposes. For example, in Western Australia, a former RSF is the site of the Perth Motorplex, housing a speedway and drag strip for recreational purposes. A closure plan for Abbot Point will be developed as part of the EIS, but typically when the RSF is closed, topsoil is brought in to cover the area and it is re-vegetated. Bauxite residue has also been used for brick making, road bases and as fertiliser, and considerable research is being conducted into other potential uses for the waste. CHALCO has constantly developed new ways of re-using solid waste including developing many new products such as cement and bauxite residue calcium carbonate insulating materials. CHALCO is a member of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, which is undertaking a Management of Bauxite Residue project. In this project, participating
