Where Does Aluminum Come From?
Aluminum is an abundant metal element, but producing aluminum for various products is a long, involved process. Whether it’s being used for beverage cans, aluminum foil, or in the aerospace industry, aluminum’s ability to be infinitely recycled makes it a highly valued, highly used material.
In this post, we’re going to discuss some of the primary sources of aluminum, as well as several ways that bauxite ore and molten aluminum are turned into usable aluminum metal. So if you’ve been curious about the ins and outs of recycled metals and the aluminum industry, this post’s for you.
Primary Aluminum Sources
Bauxite Ore
Bauxite ore is a rock that’s largely composed of minerals with a high concentration of aluminum. Deposits of bauxite rock are found in Brazil, Guinea, and Australia, and it serves as the primary source of aluminum for most of the world’s needs. However, due to impurities like iron oxide and silica, extracting alumina from bauxite requires a refining process.
Scrap Metal
Since aluminum is infinitely recyclable, pure aluminum can be refined out of recycled aluminum, with things like aluminum cans, vehicle scrap, and household objects being major sources. And, while it isn’t the primary aluminum source, it’s estimated that about 33% of new material is made from recycled stock.
Aluminum Production Process
Bayer Process
Alumina production typically starts with the Bayer process, which turns bauxite ore into alumina. The resulting alumina is then turned into actual aluminum to be used in a range of end products.
Electrolytic Reduction
Electrolytic reduction (called the Hall-Héroult process) uses direct current to split pure aluminum oxide into molten aluminum. After this process, the new aluminum can be shaped, molded, and turned into aluminum alloys to be used in consumer products.
Curious About Aluminum Alloys?
If you still have questions about aluminum smelters, bauxite mining, or the industrial production of aluminum, Schupan is Michigan’s leading expert. Our team of materials experts can help you understand global production and, more importantly, the value of sustainable aluminum.
Since 1968, we’ve worked with manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers to act as a key player in both the recycling and provision of green aluminum. So, if you’ve been searching for a partner that can rise to the challenges of your operation’s demands, reach out to us today to learn how we can help.