Abstract: The invention is a multistep process for the production of metallic aluminum. An aluminum containing ore such as bauxite, alumina, and clay is reacted with a carbon containing material, oxygen and bromine at an elevated temperature to produce aluminum bromide. The aluminum bromide is then electrolyzed to give aluminum and bromine. The bromine is conveniently recycled to the first step. The oxides and other reactive contaminants in the ore starting materials are simultaneously converted to bromides which can be hydrolyzed and oxidized to bromine for use in the process. Alternative steps in the process are also possible which avoid the electrolysis step but use a disproportionation step.