Abstract
SINCE the development of the electrolytic reduction process by Hall and Heroult in 1886, which made possible the volume production of aluminium at an economic price, the usage of the metal has rapidly increased. Fifteen tonnes were produced in 1885; 71,000 tonnes in 1914; 133,000 in 1919; 704,000 in 1939 and a wartime peak of just under two million tonnes in 1943. After World War 2, the steady increase resumed and during the first quarter of 1980 aluminium was being produced at an annual rate of about 15 million tonnes. These figures are for new or primary metal, there is also a considerable tonnage of secondary or re‐cycled metal produced and sold.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
