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Aluminum is the second most abundant metallic element in the Earth's
crust after silicon, yet it is a comparatively new industrial metal
that has been produced in commercial quantities for just over 100
years. It weighs about one-third as much as steel or
copper; is malleable, ductile, and easily machined and cast; and
has excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
Measured either in quantity or value, aluminum's use exceeds that
of any other metal except iron, and it is important in virtually
all segments of the world economy. Some of the many uses
for aluminum are in transportation (automobiles, airplanes, trucks,
railcars, marine vessels, etc.), packaging (cans, foil, etc.),
construction (windows, doors, siding, etc), consumer durables
(appliances, cooking utensils, etc.), electrical transmission lines,
machinery, and many other applications.
Aluminum recovery from scrap (recycling) has become an important component of the aluminum industry. A common practice since the early 1900's, aluminum recycling is not new. It was, however, a low-profile activity until the late 1960's when recycling of aluminum beverage cans finally vaulted recycling into the public consciousness. Sources for recycled aluminum include automobiles, windows and doors, appliances, and other products. However, it is the recycling of aluminum cans that seems to have the highest profile. |
Publications
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Annual Publications
- Aluminum
PDF Format:
| 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | - Appendixes
- Aluminum
PDF Format:
| 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 |
XLS Format:
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | - Archive
| 1932-1993 | - Recycling-Metals
Monthly Publications
- Aluminum
PDF Format:
2008: | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul |
2007: | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
XLS Format:
2008: | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul |
2007: | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
- Industry Data
Special Publications
- Aluminum Recycling in the United States in 2000
Circular 1196-W (Supersedes Open-File Report 2005-1051) - Aluminum Stocks in Use in Automobiles in the United States
Fact Sheet 2005-3145 - Directory of World Primary Aluminum Smelters
- Historical Statistics for Mineral and Material Commodities in the United States
Data Series 140 - Metal Prices in the United States through 1998
- Aluminum (PDF)
- Statistical Compendium
Contacts
- USGS Mineral Commodity Specialist
E. Lee Bray
Phone: 703-648-4979
Fax: 703-648-7757
Email: lbray@usgs.gov
- USGS Mineral Resource Specialist