Metal-matrix composites are widely used in shipping, aerospace, automotive, and nuclear applications. Research attempts have been made in the past to reduce the cost of processing of composites, decrease the weight of the composites, and increase the desired performance characteristics. In this research article, an attempt has been made in using red mud obtained as an industrial waste during the production of aluminum from bauxite ore. This article discusses the novel findings of the experimental study on the dry sliding wear behavior of aluminum alloy 6061-based composites reinforced individually with red mud, SiC, and Al2O3. The microstructural characterization of the composites provides the further insight into the structure—wear behavior of the processed composites. © 2015, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.