Aluminum smelting is the process of extracting aluminum metal from its ore, primarily bauxite. This involves crushing the bauxite and then refining it to produce alumina, which is aluminum oxide. The alumina is then subjected to an electrolytic process in a smelting cell, where it is dissolved in molten cryolite and subjected to an electric current. This process separates the aluminum from oxygen, resulting in pure aluminum metal. The smelting process requires significant energy, often sourced from hydroelectric power or fossil fuels. Once produced, aluminum can be cast into various shapes or rolled into sheets for use in industries such as construction, transportation, and packaging.