Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust but, because aluminium was isolated experimentally only in 1827 and produced in commercial quantities only after 1886, its production and use is many times less than that of iron. However over twice as much aluminium is produced as copper and the annual percentage growth in its consumption between 1985 and 1998 at 2.8% is significantly greater than that of iron and steel.The aluminium industry provides an in-depth overview of the international aluminium trade at the turn of the millennium. Its clearly presented information, analysis and statistics bring the industry into sharp focus - from extraction and refining to applications, markets, prices and future trends.The aluminium industry is essential reading for:

• Professionals whose businesses participate in, supply or buy from any part of the aluminium industry
• The finance community with investment interests in the metals or raw materials industries
• Engineers needing an overview of the structure and commercial operation of the aluminium industry
• Government policy makers and all those needing an introduction to the industry or a training resource for new entrants

Read this guide and find out about:

• How the aluminium industry has developed from its earliest beginnings
• How the key raw materials, bauxite and alumina are processed
• Why technical trends are changing the production of aluminium
• How primary aluminium is priced
• The role of recycled aluminium metal
• How demand is changing and the main applications for aluminium products today and in the future
• The organisation of international trade, industry corporate structures and the key issues that will determine the industry's future