TENORM: Bauxite and Alumina Production Wastes | Radiation ...
Bauxite ore is dissolved in sodium hydroxide, or lye, at a high temperature and pressure. Then, the alumina and bauxite ores are separated by washing out the waste (red muds or sands) from the alumina. Finally, hydrated alumina is crystallized and calcinated (dried in a furnace) to produce solid alumina.