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Bauxite ore is the primary source of aluminum. It is a sedimentary rock rich in aluminum hydroxide minerals. The term bauxite is derived from the village of Les Baux-de-Provence in southern France, where it was first identified. The mineral composition of bauxite varies, but it typically contains gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore, along with impurities like iron oxides, silica, and titanium dioxide.

The formation of bauxite deposits is linked to the weathering of aluminum-rich rocks, such as granite and basalt, in tropical and subtropical climates. Intense rainfall and high temperatures promote the leaching of soluble elements, leaving behind a residual deposit enriched in aluminum oxides and hydroxides. These deposits are often found near the surface and can be mined using open-pit methods.

Major bauxite producing countries include Australia, Guinea, Brazil, China, and Jamaica. The processing of bauxite involves the Bayer process, which chemically extracts aluminum oxide (alumina) from the ore. Alumina is then smelted in an electrolytic process, known as the Hall-Héroult process, to produce pure aluminum metal. Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly conductive metal, making it essential for a wide range of industries, including transportation, construction, packaging, and electronics. The global demand for aluminum continues to drive the mining and processing of bauxite ore.