Alumina (aluminium oxide) is the material from which aluminium is produced, and alumina is recovered from the earth metal bauxite. Bauxite is one of the most common earth metals on the planet and is easily accessible. In fact, aluminium is the third most common substance on Earth, and is found as aluminium oxide in bauxite. As is the case for many other minerals, it has to be dug out of the ground. This has an impact on the local countryside, where bauxite mines are often found in woodland areas. Many steps are thus taken in order to restore the natural habitat and environment to the condition in which it existed before mining was commenced. This takes place in collaboration with local authorities, in addition to which the majority of mines hold ISO 14001 environmental certification and have undergone an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The International Aluminium Institute (IAI - www.world-aluminium.org) is a global forum for aluminium producers. Based on its members' own data, it has studied the efforts that alumina producers make to minimise their impact on the environment and to effect rehabilitation of the mining area. This survey is the fourth of its kind, with the previous surveys being carried out in 1991, 1998 and 2003 respectively.
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The vast majority of producers, representing some 66% of total production, have taken part in the survey. What the figures in the report from the IAI reveal is that more than 90% of the areas used, including roads and other infrastructure, are rehabilitated, whilst for the mining area itself the figure is 100%. In the case of bauxite mines, approximately three-quarters of the area is the mining zone, whilst the remaining quarter is infrastructure (roads, buildings, etc.). A very high degree of openness exists concerning know-how, technologies and processes, and it is common for competing enterprises to visit each other, exchange experience and meet and discuss developments within the field. This is perhaps a little atypical in the world of industry and production, but in this particular area concerning the rehabilitation of exploited areas, enterprises are best served by being open about their knowledge and thus also being able to exploit their competitors' knowledge. This openness, however, is not only limited to the companies themselves; the public are also invited to share in such openness. This is evidenced by the fact that of the producers questioned (66% of the world's total producers), no less than 84% organise guided tours at both active mines and production plants and on areas that have already been restored.
This openness towards the public helps to secure a certain degree of acceptance and mutual respect from local citizens, as well as dialogue with critics of the industry.
You can read more in the report itself here: http://www.world-aluminium.org/cache/fl0000292.pdf
