Bauxite
Bauxite is the source of aluminium, a highly versatile material that plays an indispensable role in car-making and many other sectors.
Bauxite
Bauxite ore is the primary source of aluminium, the second most abundant metallic element on earth, which is essential for countless industries due to its varied uses and applications. These include transportation, construction and packaging, among many others.
The largest producer of bauxite is Australia and the world’s largest reserves are in Guinea. Bauxite has been associated with pollution and company-community conflict. Perceptions of ESG risks will increase as Guinea – a country with weak governance infrastructure – becomes an increasingly important producer.
Note: Production data in this profile refers to bauxite. The analysis covers both bauxite and aluminium.
Main uses and applications
Bauxite is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock. It is the world’s main source of aluminium and gallium and contains traces of rare earth elements. It is the only ore used for large-scale aluminium production. Physically, bauxite is a soft material ranging from white, grey and reddish brown hues.
The main applications of bauxite are in abrasives, cement, chemicals, petroleum, metallurgy (or the extraction of alumina) and refractories. A majority of global bauxite production is used for alumina manufacturing.
Supply Chain Risk
TDi Sustainability's data rates Bauxite's association with the following issues as high or very high:
Country Governance Risks
Bauxite's association with countries experiencing: