Metals & Alloys

Nothing is imposible - it just takes time, money and passion. Aussies control most of the world's mining already so why not them? They are the most focused and have the most to lose if metals are replaced with composite materials, which are 2-3x "greener".

I am positive they can do if they do listen to logic and forget ego. The Japanese did by listening to Americans and followed the right path and success follows. Someone need to control oxydation which is the only ennemi of all metals. When we recuperate and rework metal, we don't loose too much of it. Wish good luck to them, Gil.

Those metals (aluminum, magnesium, titanium) are the most likely to make this kind of endeavor a success, presuming all other factors are considered carefully. These are high-demand value-added products, but the energy input required for extraction and purification can be frighteningly high.

I have a new building system that is totally GREEN and uses structural aluminum... Contact me if interested for housing down under...!!!

Kelly Moore

I think it outragous that 20% of electricty in Queensland(Australia) is used purely for aluminun production, it is the common person footing the power bill for the big companies again and again, why dont they move to a renewable, by the way I am not a greenie and wish to see whale meat on the plate(just confirming my non green status)... Also the idea of shipping just the raw product is madness, why isnt it shaped/cast/molded sintered into the end product surely if you are smelting it why not cast it when it is hot, why just make ingots or c sections !!!!!

Dear GUEST!

This is generalized problem with corporations. First, workers in the smelters are overpaid and unionized. It's more profitable for the corporation to send out to third world countries and transform there. It's obvious: An Aussie is paid probably five times more than a Chinese or Indian. The doifference is profits. The mathematic is very simple, you have to understand.

Concerning electricity, I don't know how they get it in your country? Here, in Canada, we have the least expensive, water dams as Bay James. Water condensate, rain, follow the least resistance path to the turbine, and we just push the plug and the light is on. Don't be frustrated because you cannot change it, Gil.

As an academic in the field of materials engineering in Australia I would say that the country has almost abandoned any development in secondary metallurgy. The number of students involved in materials engineering is dwindling, and so is the industry in secondary metallurgy.

Sad, but this is how I see it.