Aluminium - greenhouse negative

The most notorious by-products of aluminium production are caustic red mud and red sand.

Over 15 million tonnes (dry base) are generated each year in Australia and over 200 million tonnes are presently stockpiled.

Aluminium smelting is the source of fully fluorinated compounds (FFCs) which are much more powerful greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide and have extremely long half-lives.

Fortunately, controls over these compounds are improving but they continue to be a cause of environmental concern for governments and the aluminium industry.