Aluminium Extraction

Aluminium extraction is primarily done through the electrolysis of alumina (Al2O3) dissolved in molten
cryolite (Na3AlF6) at high temperatures. Here's a summarized process:

1. Bauxite Mining: Aluminium is extracted from its ore, bauxite, which is primarily composed of
hydrated aluminum oxide minerals.

2. Bauxite Refining: Bauxite is refined to produce alumina (Al2O3) through the Bayer process. This
involves crushing the bauxite and treating it with sodium hydroxide solution at elevated
temperatures, which dissolves alumina, leaving impurities behind.

3. Electrolytic Reduction: Alumina is then dissolved in molten cryolite (Na3AlF6) and subjected to
electrolysis in a Hall-Héroult cell. This process occurs at temperatures around 950°C.

4. Cathode and Anode: In the electrolytic cell, carbon anodes are used, which react with oxygen to
form carbon dioxide. At the cathode, aluminum ions are reduced to form aluminum metal.

5. Collection and Refining: Molten aluminum is collected at the bottom of the cell and periodically
siphoned off. It is then further refined through processes like fractional crystallization or
electrolytic purification to remove impurities.

6. Final Processing: The refined aluminum is then cast into ingots, billets, or other desired shapes
depending on its intended use.

Overall, the electrolytic extraction of aluminum is energy-intensive due to the high temperatures
required, but aluminum recycling helps to mitigate some of its environmental impacts by reducing the
need for primary extraction from bauxite.