Aluminium

Aluminum has many useful properties. After iron (steel) aluminium is the most widely-used metal on Earth. It is the commonest metal in the rocks of the Earth's crust. About 8% of the crust is aluminium, not the metal itself but combined with other elements as natural minerals, such as bauxite.

Total consumption of aluminium in the United Kingdom is about 800kt/y. Some 25% of consumption is for beverage cans and foil products. The second largest market is in transport (road, rail, aerospace and marine) which accounts for 16 % of consumption, followed by building and construction at around 11%.   More information can be found on the Aluminium Federation Website at www.alfed.org.uk