Bauxite Ore
Bauxite ore is a naturally occurring mineral that is primarily composed of aluminum oxide minerals, such as gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore. It is the main source of aluminum, which is widely used in various industries, including construction, transportation, and packaging. Bauxite is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, where weathering processes have concentrated the aluminum minerals.
The extraction of aluminum from bauxite involves a process called the Bayer process, where the ore is refined to produce alumina (aluminum oxide). This alumina is then further processed through electrolysis to obtain pure aluminum metal. Bauxite mining and processing are essential for meeting the global demand for aluminum products.