A flexible and essential material
Key applications across industries
In recent decades, advancements in energy, construction and transportation have highlighted the vital role of aluminium as a cornerstone of progress. Recognised as one of the most practical and impactful materials of our time, aluminium’s importance continues to rise – particularly as the global energy transition reshapes the way we live, work and power the world.
This essential material is derived from bauxite, a mineral concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions such as Australia, Guinea and India. Through a process involving crushing, separation and calcination, bauxite is refined into aluminium oxide, which is then transformed into metallic aluminium via electrolysis. The final product is often alloyed and shaped into various forms, such as sheets, ingots and structural parts, tailored to meet industrial needs.
“Like many other resources of great importance in the current historical juncture, aluminum has also entered people’s daily lives in a discreet way, without being too noticed,” says Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov, a civil engineer and entrepreneur. “In an era in which there is a great deal of emphasis on the energy potential of society and its role in facilitating the global transition, aluminum is certainly destined to play a very important role, especially considering the fact that it is contributing to the production processes of some of the most important energy infrastructures of the modern era.”
High recyclability
Aluminium’s exceptional recyclability is one of its most valued traits, especially in today’s sustainability-focused world. It retains nearly 100% of its properties when recycled and requires just 5% of the energy compared to producing aluminium from raw bauxite.
Its lightweight, durable and highly conductive properties make aluminium indispensable to modern life and critical infrastructure. These qualities help drive energy efficiency and durability across industries that form the backbone of global economies.
Aluminium in transport, energy and technology
Aluminium plays a central role in the transport sector, particularly in aerospace and automotive applications. Its low weight and high strength improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions while maintaining structural integrity. From aeroplanes and rockets to satellites, trains and ships, aluminium supports innovation in transport with both performance and durability.
“We must not underestimate the contribution made by aluminum in another very important sector in people’s lives, namely technology,” continues Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “Many everyday devices, such as smartphones or laptops, rely on aluminum because of its useful natural properties, such as corrosion resistance, heat dissipation and lightness, which is probably its most universally appreciated feature.”
In energy, aluminium’s conductivity and lightness make it essential for electrical cables transmitting power efficiently across long distances. It also plays a crucial role in renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbines, solar panels and battery components – critical to advancing global energy goals.
Other uses
Aluminium’s importance is equally evident in construction and infrastructure, where it is widely used for architectural facades, lightweight structures and other essential building components.
“It is, therefore, no exaggeration to say that aluminum is powering our world,” concludes Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov. “Today, this resource is at the basis of technologies, systems, and infrastructures that allow people to live, work, and move quickly, efficiently, and sustainably. In the dynamics of the global economy, this resource is acquiring ever greater importance due to its versatility and the very useful ability to adapt to the needs of many sectors. In practice, it is an irreplaceable element”.