Research progress on comprehensive utilization of red mud resources

The rapid development of the aluminum industry has led to a stockpile of red mud exceeding 1.5 billion tons, yet its comprehensive utilization rate remains below 12%. This massive accumulation not only occupies substantial land resources but also causes environmental pollution and resource waste. This review first systematically outlines the sources, distribution, and environmental hazards of red mud, and analyzes its characteristics in terms of chemical and mineral compositions. It then summarizes the current status and developmental trends in red mud treatment and comprehensive utilization, with a focus on reviewing research progress in its applications, such as in building materials, metal recovery, and environmental remediation. Finally, future prospects are discussed. The paper highlights the need to strengthen technological innovation to address the challenges of high alkalinity and heavy metal stability. It proposes achieving efficient resource utilization of red mud through the co-processing of multi-source solid wastes and the tiered utilization of all its components. Emphasis is also placed on demonstrating practical projects, improving the standard system for various application fields, and leveraging market drivers to promote the large-scale and high-value utilization of red mud resources.