Abstract:A novel “calcification-carbonation” method with low cost and large-scale was developed to recover alumina from Bayer red mud. Calcification-carbonation continuous method was explored to simplify process. The calcification product was carbonated directly without solid-liquid separation. Process of calcification and carbonation was operated in one reactor. Comparative study shows that 34.6% and 35.6% alumina are recovered from diasporic red mud by traditional and continuous method, and Na2O content in processed red mud is 0.23% and 0.17 % respectively. Feasibility to continuously treat Bayer red mud by “calcification-carbonation” method is proved preliminarily.