Which mineral is predominantly mined for its aluminum content?

Bauxite is the primary ore from which aluminum is extracted. It consists mainly of aluminum oxide minerals, such as gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore. The process of extracting aluminum from bauxite involves refining it through the Bayer process, which separates aluminum oxide from impurities. This makes bauxite a critical mineral for the aluminum industry, as it contains the necessary compounds that allow for efficient extraction and production of aluminum metal.

In contrast, iron ore is primarily mined for iron, copper is a base metal sought for its conductivity and malleability, and gold is valued for its rarity and use in jewelry and electronics rather than any aluminum content. Each of these alternatives has distinct compositions and applications, reinforcing bauxite's unique position as the primary source of aluminum.