Download about Aluminium - Resourcing Innovation

ALUMINIUM
Aluminium (Al) is the most plentiful
metal in the Earth’s crust. Unlike
other metals that have been used
by humans for thousands of years,
aluminium is relatively new to
humanity. It is silvery-white in colour,
tough but lightweight, and resistant
to erosion. Aluminium has many
uses in building and construction
materials, transportation,
appliances, electrical and
communication equipment,
packaging and household goods.
Aluminium is most commonly found in a mineral ore called
bauxite, which contains minerals made up of aluminium,
oxygen and hydrogen.
PROPERTIES OF ALUMINIUM
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Very light yet strong
Highly rust-resistant
Non-toxic, non-inflammatory
Malleable and ductile
Very good heat and electrical conductor
Can be alloyed (mixed) with almost any other metal
USES OF ALUMINIUM
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Building and construction (doors, window frames, cladding, awnings and bridge rails)
Transport (cars, trucks, aircrafts, ships and rail)
Appliances (fridges, washing machines, lawn mowers)
Food packaging (foil, cans, containers)
Electrical and communications (power transmission)
Road signs
Jewellery
Heating and cooling systems
WHERE IS ALUMINIUM MINED?
Australia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of aluminium, mining 40 percent of
the world’s bauxite. Major mining areas for aluminium include Weipa in North Queensland,
Gove in the Northern Territory and the Darling Range in Western Australia.
MORE INFORMATION
• Oresome Resources
• Australian Mines Atlas
• Rio Tinto - Aluminium
www.resourcinginnovation.com.au
© QUEENSLAND RESOURCES COUNCIL
Sources: Oresome Resources, Australian Mines Atlas, Geoscience Australia, Rio Tinto, ‘Rock Files’, Minerals Council of
Australia Victoria Division