The Aluminium Industry - Environment, Technology and Production

Abstract

Aluminium resources are abundant and will cover the world demand for several hundred years. Production of primary aluminium is increasing worldwide, and the same holds for secondary aluminium, at an even higher rate. Aluminium stocks in products have been growing, and a shift towards more reliance on and better utilization of these is taking place as more of these resources are returned from products ending their lifetime. Bauxite, alumina and aluminium production and consumption are described, and future primary aluminium demand projected for the next decades, showing strong growth in most parts of the world. Environmental implications from processes involved in aluminium production are discussed, in particular emissions of CO2 and PFC compunds, which are both reduced in terms of specific emissions.