What is the production process of aluminum?

The production process of aluminum primarily involves two stages: extraction from bauxite and refining. Initially, bauxite ore, the primary source of aluminum, is mined and then processed to remove impurities. The refined bauxite is then mixed with a hot caustic soda solution in a process called the Bayer Process, which extracts aluminum oxide (alumina). In the second stage, alumina is dissolved in molten cryolite and subjected to an electrolytic reduction process in a Hall-H茅roult cell. This involves passing an electric current through the molten mixture, causing the aluminum oxide to decompose and release pure aluminum, which collects at the bottom of the cell. The aluminum is then tapped off, cooled, and cast into various forms for further processing or use.