Bauxite is a naturally occurring mineral that is primarily composed of aluminum oxide minerals. 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 it forms through the weathering of aluminum-rich rocks.
The extraction of aluminum from bauxite involves a process called the Bayer process, where the ore is refined to produce alumina. This alumina can then be further processed to obtain pure aluminum metal. Bauxite mining can have environmental impacts, including deforestation and soil erosion, making sustainable practices important in its extraction.