Aluminium is made mainly from bauxite ore. Australia is one of the biggest suppliers of bauxite ore in the world. Cost of production of aluminium is comparatively higher due to high energy consumption involved in the process.

Alcoa's Point Henry smelter - from the other side of Corio Bay - Geelong, Victoria, Australia

One of the byproducts of aluminium production is called “aluminium smelting by-products” This is typically a complex waste however can be used to extract more aluminium.

Aluminium smelting byproducts are reactive with water. When in contact with water it will generate hydrogen, acetylene, ammonia, phosphine and methane. These flammable gasses will easily ignite.

IMDG Code list this product as UN 3170, Class 4.3, ALUMINIUM SMELTING BY-PRODUCTS or ALUMINIUM REMELTING BY-PRODUCTS, Packing group II and III

Stowage requirement in IMDG Code states “Category B. Under deck in a mechanically ventilated space. Only to be loaded under dry weather conditions.

Cloudy weather in Singapore. Photo by Eric Bayona Faytaren

When this product is transported for disposal purpose then it will fall under BASEL Convention and proper shipping name must be preceded by word WASTE.

Aluminium Dross Dansk: Aluminium slagge
Aluminium Dross Dansk: Aluminium slagge (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

IMSBC Code states “Aluminium smelting by-products are wastes from the aluminium manufacturing process. Grey or black powder or lumps with some metallic inclusions. The term encompasses various different waste materials, which include but are not limited to: ALUMINIUM DROSS, SPENT CATHODES, ALUMINIUM SALT SLAGS, SPENT POTLINER, ALUMINIUM SKIMMINGS

Stowage factor (m3/t) : 0.82

By shashi kallada

25 years in Merchant Shipping, Last 13 years working on Packaged Dangerous Goods Sailor, Ex Manager Global Dangerous Goods Maersk Line * Freelance Photographer *Amateur Cyclist

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