how is aluminum mined
Aluminium (Al) comprises about 8.2% of the Earth's crust. It is the third most abundant element in the crust and the most plentiful metallic element, but is never found on its own in nature. Bauxite is the ore most commonly mined for aluminium in which aluminium occurs as hydroxide minerals. Aluminium is a silvery-white, tough and lightweight metal (specific gravity 2.7).
Bauxite is generally extracted by open cast mining, being almost always found near the surface, with processes that vary slightly depending on the location. Before mining can commence the land needs to be cleared of timber and vegetation.