Expert insights: The IB2 Process to revolutionize alumina technology and drive growth in China

Article by Pressat

The IB2 process is set to revolutionize alumina technology in China, addressing long-standing challenges in the aluminium industry. Developed by Technip, this innovative technology significantly reduces CO2 emissions, red mud residue, and caustic soda consumption, making alumina production more sustainable and efficient. The process upgrades low-grade bauxite by removing impurities, transforming it into high-value material. China, heavily reliant on imported bauxite, will benefit from this technology, with a new facility in Shanxi province starting operations in June 2025. The IB2 process also promotes a circular economy by generating eco-friendly by-products like tobermorite for low-carbon cement production. This breakthrough is gaining global traction, with discussions underway in Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and India.

Excerpt from article:

“The alumina industry is on the cusp of a transformative breakthrough as the IB2 process, a revolutionary technology, is set to make its mark in China. Esteemed industry expert Laurent Laheux, Market Director for Metals and Mining at Technip, highlights the significance of this innovation in addressing long-standing challenges in the sector.

Aluminium, a vital material in industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to renewable energy and packaging, continues to drive progress worldwide. However, the production of alumina—a key component in aluminium manufacturing—remains energy-intensive and waste-generating. The IB2 process is poised to change this narrative by offering a sustainable and efficient solution.”

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Interview with Romain Girbal: Regulatory pressure and increasing environmental requirements are opening up many opportunities for us

AL Circle Article

Our co-founder, Romain Girbal, explains how IB2 technology positively impacts the environment during alumina production. In addition, our partnership in China marks a key milestone with the upcoming opening of a plant. Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy, measured by the reduction of waste and emissions.

Excerpt from the article:

“Romain Girbal, a seasoned entrepreneur and business developer, has over 20 years of experience in various sectors. A graduate of HEC Paris with a specialization in business law and management, Romain is recognized for his strategic vision and leadership. In 2013, he co-founded Alliance Minière Responsable (AMR), a French bauxite mining company operating in the Republic of Guinea, where he played a central role in promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices. As a member of the IB2 Board of Directors and a business development expert, Romain continues to bring his expertise to various companies, driving innovation and growth.

In this interview, Mr. Girbal presented the company’s current and future strategies to combat all obstacles and advance the development of the downstream aluminum industry.

(…)”

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More on IB2.

Technip Energies endorses IB2 technology: Paving the way for a sustainable alumina industry

IB2 and Technip are pleased to commemorate seven years of technical collaboration.

Together, we have been dedicated to enhancing the sustainability and cost-efficiency of alumina refining for our clients.

We take great pride in partnering with such a prestigious and committed engineering firm. Technip’s understanding of our mission and the strategic significance of the IB2 revolution for the entire alumina industry is invaluable.

For the occasion, AL Circle has published an article about it.

 

 

 

Extract of the article :

 

“Technip Energies, a global leader in industrial innovation, has announced its support for the groundbreaking IB2 technology developed by the French tech company IB2.  This innovative process has the potential to revolutionise alumina refining by making it more efficient and environmentally friendly, addressing key challenges in the aluminium industry.”

To read the full article, click here.

Learn more about us.

Interview with Romain Girbal: China’s low-grade bauxite processing demand looks promising

Interview with Romain Girbal, General Manager of IB2 SAS

By Asian Metal

Extract of the article:

“IB2, which stands for Improved Bauxite and Improved Bayer, offers a revolutionary solution to significantly enhance the production of alumina from low-grade bauxite. Developed by a team of experts, led by Yves Occello, with a combined 400 years of experience in the bauxite and alumina industry, the IB2 technology is designed to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

Romain Girbal: IB2 is an industrial green technology provider for alumina refineries. We process low-grade bauxite into high-grade bauxite by removing silica, sulfur, and organic carbon. Additionally, we produce the co-product tobermorite, which is used in cement production.

                             Bauxite industry

Asian Metal: Over the past two years, China’s dependency on imported bauxite has risen and now stands at 80%. What do you think are the reasons for this?Romain Girbal: Around 20 years ago, China’s dependency on imported bauxite was only about 5%, as it had access to good-quality local bauxite. However, today, China no longer has sufficient supplies of middle- and high-grade bauxite, despite a large amount of low-grade bauxite being available. As a result, China has to rely on imported bauxite.”

Find the full article here: China’s low-grade bauxite processing demand looks promising-Interview with Romain Girbal-General Manager-IB2 SAS – Asian Metal

To learn more about our technology, click here.

 

Understanding IB2 Technology : A Game-Changer for Alumina Refineries – Article

Understanding IB2 Technology by AL Circle

AL Circle talks about IB2, the revolutionary technology that transforms bauxite waste into sustainable opportunities: up to 40% reduction in costs and CO2 emissions, while producing innovative green cement.

Extract of the article:

“As the world moves towards more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, refineries are constantly seeking innovations that can optimize their processes, reduce environmental impact, and enhance profitability. One such breakthrough in refinery technology is IB2. This article explores what IB2 technology is, how it works, and the potential benefits it can offer.

Senze Ceremony - IB2 in China

What is IB2 Technology?

IB2, which stands for Improved Bauxite and Improved Bayer offers a revolutionary solution to significantly enhance the production of alumina from low-grade bauxite ore. Developed by a team of experts led by Yves Occello totaling 400 years of experience in the bauxite – alumina industry, the IB2 technology is designed to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

The technology allows the refining of what was so far considered bauxite wastes by alumina refineries, leading to high A/S ratios, reduced energy consumption and increased mines life length. It provides a competitive edge by maximizing output while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

 

Find the complete article here : AL Circle – Understanding IB2 Technology : A GAme-Changer for Alumina Refineries

Learn more about IB2 team :https://ib2.com/en/about-us/

Ground-breaking ceremony in China

Ground-breaking ceremony in China: IB2 plant to extract alumina from bauxite waste breaks ground

An important milestone for the alumina industry is taking shape in China, with the official ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of an IB2 plant held on November 12. This innovative project aims to transform low-grade bauxite into a valuable resource, using state-of-the-art IB2 technology to extract alumina from bauxite waste.

A strategic response to growing demande

As global demand for aluminium continues to grow, the scarcity of high-quality bauxite is a major challenge for the industry. The new IB2 plant directly addresses this issue by exploiting resources previously considered unviable. Initially, the project will have a processing capacity of 700t/year of raw bauxite, which could be significantly increased in subsequent years.

By integrating these lower-quality bauxites into the production chain, the project will help increase local reserves and reduce dependence on imported raw materials.

 

A sustainable, innovative technology and a key project for the regional economy

The IB2 process is based on an innovative bauxite waste recovery technology and is part of a circular economy approach, maximizing the use of local resources and limiting industrial waste (red mud). Strategically located in China, the IB2 plant will play a key role in the economic and industrial development of the Shanxi region.

 

 

Towards a more sustainable future

With this initiative, IB2 and its partners are demonstrating their commitment to a more sustainable and resilient mining industry. The launch ceremony marks the beginning of a new era in alumina extraction, where technological innovation and environmental responsibility meet.

This ambitious project provides an inspiring model for other regions facing similar challenges in the use of their natural resources.

See more details about IB2 technology : https://ib2.com/en/solutions/

IB2 to build a bauxite concentrate extraction plant in Shanxi of China

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 25 Oct 24

IB2 Bauxite Co., a French company, plans to start the construction of a bauxite concentrate extraction plant in Shanxi of China from the middle of this November, with the processing capacity of 700,000tpy, a source from the company reported to Asian Metal. 

“We plan to build a bauxite concentrate extraction plant in Shanxi of China and the construction will start from the middle of next month,” said the source, adding that the crude bauxite Al/Si<3.0 processing capacity would reach 700,000tpy which could produce 500,000tpy of bauxite concentrate Al/Si>9.0. They could expand the processing capacity to 3 million tonnes per year two years later. 

The plant, located in Liulin of Shanxi, might launch production by May 2025. They will supply bauxite concentrate to Liulin Senze Coal & Aluminum Co. a producer of alumina with the production capacity of 1.6 million tonnes per year. 

Mainstream prices for Chinese origin bauxite Al2O3 58%min Al/Si=5.0 in north China remain at current RMB600-620/t (USD84-87/t) Ex-VAT delivered, stable from late last week. For the strong alumina market, the demand for bauxite in China keeps firm now.

Click here to learn more about IB2 Solutions 

Senze’s Visit in France

Senze’s Visit in France: Expertise and trust for a long lasting partnership

In September 2024, we had the pleasure to welcome in France, the team of our first Chinese client, Senze.

This visit was a key milestone for the collaboration of our groups, which will result in 2025 in the completion of the first bauxite beneficiation unit using the IB2 technology.

During this visit, Senze’s team discovered our partners’ laboratories and had technical discussions with our experts whom also took the opportunity to introduce our latest technological development.

 

 

 

Another highlight of this stay was the visit of the typical village of Baux-de-Provence during which our teams discussed the origins of bauxite ore.

 

 

 

These discussions, a few days before launching construction works, not only allowed to discuss technical aspects but also helped to strengthen the friendly relations between our teams.

At the end of these few days, our teams left even more motivated by the success of the project.

We would like to thank Senze and all our partners thanks to whom we will be able to achieve our promising objectives.

Meeting the rise of aluminum – Article

Meeting the rise of aluminum and also offering green cement

– sustainable management of mineral resources – 

  • Aluminium demand is rising while high quality ores becomes rare

  • IB2 (Improved Bauxite Improved Bayer) company offers innovative solutions

IB2 technology upgrades low-quality bauxite to a higher available alumina content, allowing refineries to extract more bauxite locally. IB2 technology also makes refinement more efficient and reduces red mud production.

Additionally, the IB2 process produces Tobermorite, a valuable by-product often known as green cement, which can generate extra revenue.

  • 400 Years of Expertise: Revolutionizing Bauxite for a Greener, Sustainable Future.

Experts at IB2 bring a combined experience of 400 years. Some of us have actively contributed to the development of industry and others have co-invented several patents. But the main goal of us all has been the same: to make industries more efficient, sustainable, and greener. That’s what we aim to do with the bauxite industry through IB2.”  R.Girbal

 

March 27, 2024 – Article published by: Holy Minoza in “Chicago Journal”

“Discover more insights by reading the entire article here.” : https://thechicagojournal.com/meeting-the-aluminum-surge-romain-girbals-ib2-bridges-global-supply-and-demand/

“Uncover the full story of IB2 here : https://ib2.com/en/about-us/

Ecology and profit are fiercely compatible – Article

Merging Ecology with Profitability at IB2

Romain Girbal, co-founder of IB2, believes the ecological transition is a significant growth opportunity for innovative entrepreneurs. IB2 has developed a revolutionary process to transform low-grade bauxite into high-quality ore, reducing production costs by 40% and the need for imports.

This process minimizes environmental impact by lowering CO2 emissions and decreasing the production of red mud waste by 67%.

Additionally, IB2’s method produces tobermorite, a component in green cement with half the CO2 emissions of traditional cement. IB2’s technology supports a circular economy and demonstrates that ecological sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

Yves Occello and Romain Girbal, co-founders of IB2.

International Collaboration and Future Prospects

IB2 has a 22-year partnership with China’s Liulin Senze and is attracting interest from countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. These countries are looking to reduce production costs and environmental impact. IB2 aims to expand globally, demonstrating that integrating sustainability into business models can drive innovation and profitability.

Global Inspiration and Future Vision

Inspired by international examples, such as Germany’s “Energiewende” and the U.S.’s revitalization of the Rust Belt, IB2 showcases that industrial policies focused on ecology can regenerate regions and create sustainable jobs. Romain Girbal emphasizes that ecological and economic goals can reinforce each other, making them “fiercely compatible.”

 

You can read the full article published in Le POINT Stories on 27/05/2024 : https://www.lepoint.fr/stories/romain-girbal-ecologie-et-profit-sont-furieusement-compatibles-27-05-2024-2561246_3919.php

To learn more about IB2 sustainable technology: https://ib2.com/en/solutions/