WHAT IS ALUMINUM?
Aluminum plays a crucial role in the advancement of modern industry and is an indispensable metal for humanity. Used in a wide array of sectors—from space and aerospace industries to construction, electronics, and the automotive industry—aluminum is fundamental in the production of thousands of products and holds significant value for the global economy. Mekaline Alüminyum, operating its integrated facilities in the Adana Hacı Sabancı Organized Industrial Zone to international quality standards, provides insights into aluminum, a material of strategic importance.
Symbol (Al), Atomic Number 13
Aluminum, represented by the symbol Al in the periodic table, is one of the most abundant metals in nature, following oxygen and silicon. Its atomic number is 13, with a density of 2.70 g/cm³, an atomic weight of 26.98, a boiling point of 2519°C, a melting point of 660°C, and oxidation states of +3, +2, and +1. The electron configuration of aluminum is [Ne] 3s² 3p¹.
Aluminum is a silvery-white chemical element that does not occur in its pure form in nature. It is found on Earth in the form of oxides and silicates. Aluminum is extracted from bauxite ore and recycled aluminum scrap. The alumina obtained from processing bauxite is converted into aluminum through the "electrolysis" method.
90% of Global Bauxite Reserves Are Used for Aluminum Production
According to the "Aluminum-2018" report prepared by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA), 90% of the world's bauxite reserves are utilized in aluminum production, while the remaining portion is used in the cement, refractory, abrasive, and chemical industries. Bauxite ore, which is deemed viable for aluminum production, contains aluminum in a range of 30-60%.
Where Are the Most Significant Bauxite Reserves in the World?
According to the data in the MTA report, it is estimated that the global bauxite resources used for aluminum production amount to 55-75 billion tons, with approximately 30 billion tons being considered economically viable. The most important bauxite reserve areas in the world are located in the following countries: Guinea with 7.4 billion tons, Australia with 6 billion tons, Vietnam with 3.7 billion tons, Brazil with 2.6 billion tons, Jamaica with 2 billion tons, China with 1 billion tons, and Indonesia with 1 billion tons. In Turkey, there are 63 million tons of economically viable bauxite reserves, totaling 422 million tons, primarily located in the Toros Belt. The Konya/Seydişehir and Antalya/Akseki regions, with approximately 31 million tons of economically viable reserves, have the richest bauxite deposits.
Aluminum Demand Has Increased Over the Last Decade
According to the "Aluminum 2023" report prepared by the Turkish Aluminum Industrialists Association (TALSAD), global aluminum demand has grown at an average rate of 3.07% over the past decade. In 2023, primary aluminum production reached 70.6 million tons, marking a 3.1% increase compared to the previous year. Worldwide aluminum demand, including recycling, has reached 110 million tons. China alone accounts for 59% of global primary aluminum production. Strong demand for aluminum is expected to continue in the coming years, with projections indicating that aluminum demand will rise to 240 million tons by 2050. It is anticipated that at least 50% of this demand will be met through recycling.
Aluminum Usage is Increasing in Turkey
According to TALSAD statistics, per capita aluminum consumption in Turkey is also on the rise. In 2023, domestic aluminum consumption grew by approximately 2.3%. Additionally, last year, Turkey exported a total of 1.2 million tons of aluminum, valued at 5.3 billion dollars.
