Step 1: Concept
Aluminium ores are primarily extracted from bauxite, which contains hydrated aluminium oxides such as gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore.
Step 2: Meaning
Bauxite is the main source of aluminium. It is a rock that consists mainly of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals, including gibbsite (Al(OH)₃), boehmite ($\gamma$-AlO(OH)), and diaspore ($\alpha$-AlO(OH)).
Step 3: Analysis
Haematite, galena, and magnetite are not the principal ores of aluminium. Haematite is an iron ore with the chemical formula Fe₂O₃, used for extracting iron. Galena is a lead ore with the chemical formula PbS, used for extracting lead. Magnetite is an iron ore with the chemical formula Fe₃O₄, also used for extracting iron.
Bauxite, on the other hand, is specifically known as the primary source of aluminium. It contains around 30-60% alumina (Al₂O₃) and is processed to extract aluminium through a series of steps including digestion with caustic soda (NaOH), followed by precipitation and refining.
Step 4: Conclusion
The principal ore of aluminium is bauxite, which makes option A the correct answer.
Final Answer: (A)