What is the environmental impact of aluminum production?

The environmental impact of aluminum production is significant and multifaceted. It involves high energy consumption, primarily from the electricity needed for the electrolytic process to extract aluminum from bauxite. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if the electricity is generated from fossil fuels. The process also generates hazardous waste, such as red mud, which contains heavy metals and can pollute water sources if not properly managed. Additionally, deforestation and habitat destruction occur due to bauxite mining, affecting biodiversity. Lastly, aluminum production contributes to air pollution with the release of particulates and other pollutants.