Hydro signs BRL 2.2 million agreement with the University of São Paulo to explore uses for bauxite residue

Hydro has signed a BRL 2.2 million agreement with the University of São Paulo to explore uses for bauxite residue in civil construction. The waste will be used in the production of cement floors that prove to be advantageous from the environmental point of view and throughout their life cycle.

The research will also focus on other uses in the construction sector.

The two year deal will focus on using bauxite residue from Hydro’s mining operations in the State of Pará in the construction industry, more specifically in the cement components sector.

The research will be conducted by the Laboratory of Microstructure and Eco-efficiency of the Department of Civil Construction Engineering of the Polytechnic School of University of São Paulo (USP).

"We have invested heavily in the search for more-sustainable alternative uses for bauxite residue. The partnership with the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo reinforces our reach and portfolio in research and development. This group of researchers is internationally recognized for its work with this type of waste and for the development of eco-efficient cementitious products," said Marcelo Montini, senior chemical consultant in Hydro's technology area and coordinator of the agreement.

According to Professor Rafael G. Pileggi, coordinator of the project, "The Laboratory of Microstructure and Eco-Efficiency of Materials at USP's Polytechnic School is one of the international leaders in sustainability of cementitious materials, with extensive experience in the use of mining and urban waste as raw material for the production of eco-efficient components throughout their life cycle."