Aluminum Supply Chain

Bauxite mining: Because bauxite is found at the earth’s surface, bauxite mines require access to large areas of land, often forcing the resettlement of homes, reducing communities’ access to productive land, and impacting local water sources. © 2021 Human Rights Watch

Alumina refining: Bauxite is refined into an intermediate product, alumina, before being converted to aluminum. 4 tons of bauxite are needed to create 2 tons of alumina. The process of producing alumina produces large amounts of toxic “red mud,” which if not stored properly can contaminate surrounding waterways. © 2021 Human Rights Watch

Aluminum smelting: Alumina is converted or “smelted” into aluminum using electrolysis, an energy intensive process. 2 tons of alumina make 1 ton of aluminum. Because the majority of aluminum smelters rely on coal power, the aluminum industry is responsible for about two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions each year. © 2021 Human Rights Watch

202107africa_guinea_processingmanufacturing

Processing and Manufacturing: Primary aluminum, once obtained from alumina, is typically cast into ingots or alloys that can be reformed into the industrial products used by car companies and other manufacturers. ©

Use: Car companies use aluminum for a range of car parts, including like engines, chassis, frames, body panels, wheels. Aluminum can be easily recycled, but more than half of the aluminum currently used by car companies comes from primary aluminum produced from bauxite. ©

Aluminum Supply Chain

Related Content

Protecting Rights, Saving Lives