Alumina production is the process of extracting aluminum oxide from bauxite ore. This is typically done through the Bayer process, where bauxite is crushed and mixed with a hot, caustic soda solution. The aluminum oxide dissolves, and impurities are removed, leaving a concentrated solution that is then cooled and crystallized to form alumina. Once alumina is produced, it can be further processed to create aluminum metal through electrolysis. This involves dissolving the alumina in molten cryolite and passing an electric current through it. The aluminum metal sinks to the bottom, while oxygen is released at the anode, completing the transformation from bauxite to aluminum.