Organic compounds in the processing of lateritic bauxites to alumina: Part 1: Origins and chemistry of organics in the Bayer process

This review is the first of a series examining the history and current state of knowledge of the science related to organic compounds in the Bayer process for the extraction of alumina from lateritic bauxites. Part 1 covers the origins, nature and chemistry of organic compounds in Bayer liquors. It provides a compilation of the information available from the public literature, and critical analysis of the research that has been carried out in this area in the past 50 years. It points the way to future opportunities for research to assist in mitigating the high costs that organics impose on the industry globally ($500 Mpa in Australia alone).