• MTM Critical Metals enters into strategic partnership with Vedanta
• The two companies will explore RM reprocessing solutions in carbon reduced cement production
• By extracting iron, a cleaner feedstock is generated for downstream processing

Special report: MTM Critical Metals is looking to apply its proprietary Flash Joule Heating technology in an upcoming partnership with aluminium producer Vedanta for Red Mud recycling.

Vedanta and MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) have entered a non-binding MoU to investigate the potential of the latter’s FJH technology to extract critical metals in carbon-reduced cement production.

Vedanta, a powerhouse in aluminium, zinc, copper and energy, invests in innovative ways to manage Red Mud (RM), an industrial waste generated during the processing of bauxite into alumina using the Bayer process.

Testing of Vedanta’s RM feedstock in MTM’s facility in Houston has shown that the FJH technology provides an efficient, single-step process.

So far, results show that it transforms RM’s iron oxides into saleable iron chloride, a compound widely used in water treatment and electronics, while also optimising its iron-to-alumina ratio so that it is more amenable to be used as an additive for cement.

Recycling breakthrough

With alumina produced in more than 20 countries worldwide, MTM believes the MoU will unlock a vast global opportunity for Red Mud recycling and metal recovery through cutting-edge FJH technology.

As it stands, more 4Bt of RM is believed to be stored in tailings dams worldwide, representing a vast untapped source of critical metals and construction materials. MTM is aiming to unlock value from this immense resource.

MTM managing director and CEO Michael Walshe said the MoU represents a breakthrough for the company in the global aluminium industry, where no commercially viable recycling solution currently exists for RM.

“With billions of tonnes of Red Mud stockpiled globally, our FJH technology unlocks its potential — initially producing a product suitable for green cement, with a subsequent Stage 2 focus on recovering valuable critical metals,” he said.

Direct pathway to commercialisation

Beyond its scale, Vedanta is also at the forefront of industrial sustainability, ranking among the top companies in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.

Vedanta is committed to pioneering solutions for waste valorisation, circular economy initiatives, and carbon footprint reduction — making it a leader in responsible resource development.

The MOU provides a direct pathway to commercialise its FJH technology at scale within the aluminium industry.

Vedanta operates in India, which produces 6Mt of alumina annually – the second largest production level globally – generating over 15Mt of new Red Mud per annum.

On top of that India also producer over 400Mt of cement each year, second only to China.

With Vedanta’s vast operational footprint and commitment to sustainable innovation, this collaboration has the potential to redefine how bauxite residue is handled, transforming it into a source of strategic metals and a potential feedstock for ‘green’ cement.

FJH offers a groundbreaking alternative to traditional disposal and reprocessing methods by providing a simplified, efficient solution for iron removal whilst also providing the possibility to recover residual valuable metals such as iron, alumina, titanium, scandium, and REEs.

This MOU will remain in effect for 12 months from the signing date unless extended by mutual agreement.

What now?

Following the initial production of a Red Mud product suitable for green cement, MTM’s focus will be on optimising the FJH process for complete iron removal and subsequent residual metal recovery.

By extracting iron, a cleaner feedstock is generated for downstream processing.

This lays the groundwork for the targeted extraction of residual metals.

With iron removed, the residual alumina content is expected to increase significantly, potentially exceeding 30 – 40%, depending on the initial composition of the Red Mud.

The higher grades improve the viability of further processing, “creating new opportunities for refining and reintroducing alumina into industrial supply chains,” MTM noted.

This article was developed in collaboration with MTM Critical Metals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.