This article from New Atlas discusses a breakthrough by researchers who have developed a method to transform red mud, a toxic by-product of aluminum production, into green steel using hydrogen plasma. Annually, the aluminum industry produces about 198 million tons of red mud, which poses environmental and disposal challenges due to its high alkalinity and toxic heavy metals. This innovative process, which takes only 10 minutes, involves melting red mud in an electric arc furnace with a plasma containing hydrogen, resulting in the production of pure iron suitable for steelmaking and a non-corrosive, glass-like material useful in construction. This approach not only addresses the waste problem in aluminum production but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the steel industry. Unlike previous methods using coke, this process avoids greenhouse gas emissions, making it both environmentally and economically advantageous.

Read the article on NewAtlas.com

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