Nevertheless, aluminum is today the second-most used metal, after steel. More aluminum is produced each year than all other non-ferrous metals combined.

Aluminum is the third-most abundant element – comprising 8 percent of the earth's crust. The main reason why it was not discovered sooner is that aluminum does not occur naturally in metallic form. Aluminum is found in most rocks, clay, soil and vegetation combined with oxygen and other elements.

Energy

Production of aluminum and aluminum products is dependent upon reasonably priced electricity. In Norway, Hydro produces its own electricity from hydropower facilities for use aluminum production. Elsewhere, Hydro contracts its power needs.

Aluminium alloys

Physically, chemically and mechanically, aluminum is a metal like steel, brass, copper, zinc, lead or titanium. It can be melted, cast, formed and machined much like these metals and it conducts electric current.

When combined with small amounts of other chemicals, Aluminum alloys can greatly improve some of aluminum’s natural characteristics. Aluminum and its alloys combine a number of features that make it very competitive for a wide range of applications in almost all sectors of industrial activity.