BNDES has injected R$221 million into Wave Aluminum for the installation of a “demonstration” plant in Barcarena (Pennsylvania) to process bauxite waste used in the production of aluminum. The unit uses microwave-based technology to recover commercially valuable minerals such as iron and silicates for the cement industry. The plan is to begin operations in September 2026. The plant will process 50,000 tonnes of bauxite residue per year and will be located within the Alnorte alumina refinery.
The company, founded in Rio in 2019 and part of the New Wave Group that researches the use of microwave technology in the mining industry, is already testing the method at its operations in Duque de Caxias. The company’s partners include founder Gustavo Emina and executives from the Lorenzen family, which made its fortune with Aracruz.
— The approval of this project is in line with BNDES’ commitment to sustainability. The project is even more important because it belongs to the legal Amazon and contributes to the sustainable development of the region, explains BNDES President Aloyzio Mercadante.
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