Which metal is extracted from bauxite ore using the Bayer process?

Explanation

Bauxite is the primary ore containing aluminum oxide mixed with impurities. The Bayer process purifies aluminum oxide from bauxite before extracting pure aluminum metal.

The process treats crushed bauxite with hot sodium hydroxide solution. This dissolves aluminum oxide while leaving impurities behind as solid residue.

After purification, electrolysis separates pure aluminum metal from the oxide. Most aluminum products from soda cans to airplane parts start with bauxite ore.