China: Study finds severe heavy metal pollution in red mud from Chinalco subsidiary Pingguo Aluminum, posing high ecological risk
Summary
Date Reported: 1 Jul 2019
Location: China
Companies
China Aluminium Corporation (Chinalco) - Parent CompanyProjects
Pingguo MineAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Ecosystem: ( Number unknown - Location unknown - Sector unknown , Gender not reported ) , Community: ( Number unknown - Location unknown - Sector unknown , Gender not reported )Issues
Soil pollution , Clean, Healthy & Sustainable Environment , Violation of environmental safety standardsResponse
Response sought: No
Source type: Independent body
[Unofficial translation provided by the Resource Centre]
"Geochemical Characteristics and Pollution Risks Assessment of Heavy Metal Elements in Red Mud of Alumina Industry in Western Guangxi" July 2019
A recent study assessing heavy metal contamination risks in red mud—a byproduct of alumina production—revealed high levels of toxic elements including arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and lead across three prominent aluminium companies in Western Guangxi. This waste material, characterized by its high alkalinity and salinity, poses significant environmental hazards if mishandled.
Particularly alarming is the finding from Pingguo Aluminium's red mud reservoir, which is reported to exhibit severe contamination, elevating it to a status of strong ecological threat. Pingguo Aluminium is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aluminium Corporation of China Ltd.