Bauxite, the main ore of aluminum, contains about 50-60% alumina (aluminum oxide, Al2O3) and is formed by the weathering of aluminum-rich rocks under tropical conditions. Aluminum is produced by separating pure alumina from bauxite in a refinery, then treating the alumina by electrolysis. An electric current flowing through a molten electrolyte, in which alumina has been dissolved, separates the aluminum oxide into oxygen, which collects on carbon anodes immersed in the electrolyte, and aluminum metal, which collects on the bottom of the carbon-lined cell (cathode). On average, it takes about 4 t of bauxite to obtain 2 t of aluminum oxide, which in turn yield 1 t of metal. The word "aluminum" was suggested by Sir Humphry Davy in the early 1800s. It has been retained in North America, but has been modified to "aluminium" in the rest of the world.
In both its pure and alloyed forms, aluminum is used to make a variety of products for the consumer and capital-goods markets. The largest markets for aluminum are transportation, packaging, building and construction, electrical, machinery and equipment, and consumer goods. North America is the largest consuming region, followed by Asia and Europe.
Canadian Industry
The aluminum industry was first established in Canada at the turn of the century in Shawinigan, Qué, when the Northern Aluminum Company (now ALCAN ALUMIN LTD) established its first smelter. Over the next 5 decades, Alcan established a network of smelters and an alumina refinery in Québec and one smelter in BC. Alcan was joined by the Canadian British Aluminum Company in the 1950s when it established a smelter at Baie-Comeau, Qué. The smelter was subsequently purchased by Canadian Reynolds Metals Company, which expanded the smelter's capacity in 1985 and again in 1991. Until 1987, Alcan and Canadian Reynolds were the only primary aluminum producers in Canada. Three more companies, Aluminerie de Bécancour Inc (in 1987), Aluminerie Lauralco Inc (in 1992) and Aluminerie Alouette Inc (also in 1992) were established in the province of Québec, raising Canada's total aluminum capacity to 2 283 000 t. Canada's total primary aluminum production capacity is now rated at over 2 400 000 t annually, valued at $5.5 billion, with production capacity increasing and expected to reach 3 000 000 t by 2005.
Canada does not have any bauxite mines; however, the availability of abundant hydroelectric power at a competitive price, a qualified labour force and modern public infrastructure close to major markets led to the establishment of a world-class aluminum industry in Canada. Canada currently produces primary aluminum from smelters in Québec and Kitimat, BC. Refined metal is fabricated by casting, rolling and extrusion. Manufactured products include doors, windows, house siding, beverage cans, foil products, cooking utensils and electrical wiring.
