Aluminum Smelting

The electrochemical reduction of alumina to produce primary aluminium metal in industrial electrolytic cells called reduction pots or electrolysers. The Hall-Héroult process dissolves alumina in molten cryolite electrolyte at approximately 960°C and passes direct current through the cell, depositing aluminium at the cathode. Smelting is the most energy-intensive step in the aluminium supply chain, making electricity cost and availability critical to smelter viability.