Why should aluminium ore be treated with sodium hydroxide before electrolysis?

Aluminium ore, primarily bauxite, is treated with sodium hydroxide to dissolve aluminum oxides and hydroxides present in the ore, forming soluble sodium aluminate. This process, known as the Bayer process, separates aluminum from impurities, allowing for the efficient extraction of aluminum during electrolysis. By refining the ore in this way, the overall energy efficiency and yield of the electrolysis process are significantly improved, making aluminum production more economically viable.