Spent Pot Lining First Cut (shortened to SPL-1cut) is a solid waste discharged from a primary aluminum electrolytic production process. SPL-1cut is classified as hazardous waste in China because it contains large amounts of soluble sodium fluoride and a tiny amount of cyanide. Most of SPL-1cut is carbon—about 65%—and its calorific value is 22.587 MJ∙kg⁻¹. There is a high level of sodium fluoride in SPL-1cut—about 15%—and sodium fluoride is randomly distributed in the carbon granule. The recycling of SPL-1cut using dolomite as a reactant, based on the characteristics of the two-step decomposition of dolomite at a high temperature, is discussed. The recycling of SPL-1cut was performed under the following heating conditions: the heating temperature was 850 °C, the holding time was 120 min, and 40% of the dolomite was added to the SPL-1cut. It was found that the cyanides are completely oxidized and decomposed, and dolomite is decomposed into MgO and active CaCO₃. At the same time, NaF reacts with active CaCO₃ and converts into CaF₂. The results provide references for using SPL-1cut as an alternative fuel in the dolomite calcination process of the Pidgeon Process.

Electrolytic Manganese Residue (EMR) is a secondary material generated during the process of manganese production, poses significant environmental challenges, including land consumption and contamination threats to soil and water bodies due to its heavy metal content, soluble manganese, ammonia nitrogen, and disposal issues. This review thoroughly examines EMR, emphasizing its metallurgical principles, environmental impacts, and sustainable treatment methods. We critically analyze various approaches for EMR management, including resource recovery, utilization of construction materials, and advanced treatment techniques to mitigate its environmental challenges. Through an extensive review of recent EMR-related literature and case studies, we highlight innovative strategies for EMR valorization, such as the extraction of valuable metals, conversion into supplementary cementitious materials, and its application in environmental remediation. Our findings suggest that integrating metallurgical principles with environmental engineering practices can unlock EMR’s potential as a resource, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the environmental hazards associated with its disposal. This study aims to deepen the understanding of EMR’s comprehensive utilization, offering insights into future research directions and practical applications for achieving sustainable management of electrolytic manganese waste. Finally, we propose some recommendations to address the issue of EMR, intending to offer guidance for the proper disposal and effective exploitation of EMR.