Clarified liquor refers to the clear liquid stream recovered from a clarification or thickening process after the removal of suspended solids such as fine ore particles, clay minerals, or residue. In bauxite processing through the Bayer Process, clarified liquor — also referred to as green liquor or pregnant liquor — is the sodium aluminate solution separated from the red mud residue in the clarification circuit. This liquor is chemically rich in dissolved aluminium and is processed further through precipitation to yield aluminium trihydrate (gibbsite), which is then calcined to produce alumina (Al₂O₃). The quality and purity of the clarified liquor are critical process parameters, as the presence of residual suspended solids or impurities (such as silica, iron, or organic compounds) can negatively affect precipitation efficiency, crystal morphology, and the quality of the final alumina product. In gold processing, clarified liquor from counter-current decantation (CCD) circuits contains dissolved gold cyanide complexes that are directed to adsorption or precipitation stages. In iron ore and diamond processing, clarified water streams are commonly recycled back into the process circuit to minimize fresh water consumption. Maintaining a consistent turbidity and solids content in clarified liquor is essential for downstream process stability, product quality, and overall plant efficiency.
