Red mud as a carbon sink: Variability, affecting factors and environmental significance

► Red mud is an abundant hazardous material that has the potential for carbon sequestration. ► Different red mud types were investigated to determine the factors affecting red mud carbonation. ► A set of parameters were established for evaluation of red mud's carbon sequestration capacity. ► Global-scale estimation of carbon stock and carbon sequestration potential in red mud was made. ► Methods for maximizing red mud carbonation and their environmental significance were discussed.