The alumina industry in China is set to undergo a revolutionary change with the introduction of the IB2 process, a groundbreaking technology that promises to address long-standing challenges in the sector. Laurent Laheux, a renowned expert in the industry and Market Director for Metals and Mining at Technip, has highlighted the significance of this innovation in an interview with the press.
Aluminium, a crucial material used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy, continues to drive progress globally. However, the production of alumina, a key component in the manufacturing of aluminium, is energy-intensive and generates a significant amount of waste. The IB2 process is poised to change this narrative by offering a sustainable and efficient solution.
Developed by specialists in green industrial technologies, the IB2 process is a technological milestone in the production of alumina. It revolutionizes the upgrading of low-grade bauxite by removing impurities such as silica, sulphur, and organic carbon. This breakthrough has achieved remarkable outcomes, including a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions, a 60% decrease in red mud residue, and an 80% lower consumption of caustic soda, resulting in significantly lower refining costs and a smaller ecological footprint. Additionally, the process produces an environmentally friendly by-product, tobermorite, which can be used in the production of low-carbon cement, promoting a circular economy approach.
Laheux explains, “The IB2 process is capable of transforming previously low-grade bauxite into a high-value material, increasing the Al/Si ratio from 2.5 to 13-14, well above current standards.”
China, being the world’s largest aluminium producer, faces significant dependence on imported bauxite, sourcing 80% of its requirements from abroad. This reliance impacts the country’s competitiveness and industrial sovereignty. The IB2 process presents a strategic solution, enabling China to maximize the potential of its domestic resources.
A state-of-the-art industrial facility is currently under construction in Shanxi province, with operations set to commence in June 2025. The facility will have an initial production capacity of 200,000 tonnes, which will increase to 600,000 tonnes by 2026 and an impressive 3 million tonnes by 2028.
The IB2 process is gaining global recognition, with advanced discussions underway in Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and India. Its ability to optimize resources, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact has positioned it as a game-changer for the alumina industry worldwide.
Laheux believes that the IB2 process is the way forward for the aluminium industry, stating, “As the industry faces mounting pressure to align with economic and environmental imperatives, the IB2 process offers a path towards a sustainable future. It not only enhances efficiency but also represents a significant step towards a more competitive and eco-responsible industry, better equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.”
The IB2 process was developed by IB2, a green industrial tech company founded by Romain Girbal and Yves Ocello. The technology was created by a team of 10 professionals with a combined experience of 400 years in the bauxite and alumina industry, specifically in the Bayer process and all types of bauxites.
Yves Ocello, a co-founder of IB2, has held several senior positions in companies in the bauxite-alumina sector, including Péchiney, Alcan, and Rio Tinto. He is an Honorary Director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an Engineer from ENS Chimie de Paris.
Romain Girbal, also a co-founder of IB2, holds a master’s degree in business law and international management from HEC Paris and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s OPM program for entrepreneurs.
With the IB2 process paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient alumina production, the future looks bright for the industry and the environment.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.