Bauxite is the primary ore used for aluminum extraction primarily for two reasons:
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High Aluminum Content: Bauxite has a high aluminum oxide (Al2O3) content, typically ranging from 30% to 60%. This makes it a rich source of aluminum, allowing for more efficient extraction compared to other minerals.
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Availability and Accessibility: Bauxite deposits are widespread and found in many parts of the world, which makes it readily accessible for mining. The relatively low cost of extracting aluminum from bauxite, coupled with extensive deposits, contributes to its dominance as the primary source of aluminum.
These factors make bauxite the most common ore used for aluminum extraction.