Aluminum production primarily involves extracting aluminum from its ore, bauxite. The process begins with crushing and grinding the bauxite, followed by refining it using the Bayer process, which separates aluminum oxide from impurities. This aluminum oxide is then subjected to electrolysis in a process called the Hall-Héroult process, where it is transformed into pure aluminum metal. Once produced, aluminum can be shaped into various forms, such as sheets, foils, and extrusions. It is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. Recycling aluminum is also common, as it requires significantly less energy than producing new aluminum from ore.