The main raw material for aluminium production is bauxite. Aluminium oxide is extracted from the bauxite, and is used in an electrolytic reduction process to produce primary aluminium. It takes roughly 4-7 metric tons of bauxite to produce 2 metric tons of alumina, which then yields 1 metric ton of aluminium. Primary aluminium is alloyed with other metals and then fabricated into a range of products through casting, extrusion and rolling.
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Production steps
Aluminium production is a time-consuming and energy-intensive process. But once the aluminium is made, it can be recycled over and over without losing its superb qualities. -
Bauxite mining
About 7 percent of the earth’s crust is aluminium, making it the third-most abundant element after oxygen and silicon. Aluminium production starts with the raw material bauxite. -
Alumina refining
Aluminium oxide (alumina) is extracted from bauxite in a refinery. Alumina is then used to produce primary aluminium. -
Primary production
It is crucial to us to minimize the environmental impacts of aluminium production. At the same time, we develop products that can reduce the environmental burden when they are in use. -
Fabrication
Hydro is a leading supplier of extrusion ingot, sheet ingot, foundry alloys and high-purity aluminium with a global production network. -
Recycling
Recycling is very important to sustainable development. It allows resources to be saved and waste to be reduced.