The Bayer process is a method used to extract aluminum from its ore, primarily bauxite. The process involves crushing the bauxite and mixing it with a hot, concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide. This solution dissolves the aluminum oxide in the bauxite, leaving behind impurities. After the aluminum oxide is dissolved, the mixture is allowed to settle, and the remaining solid impurities are removed. The solution is then cooled, and aluminum hydroxide precipitates out. This precipitate is filtered, washed, and heated to produce alumina, which can be further processed to obtain pure aluminum metal.