• The metals are extracted from its ore by Reduction
• Oxide ores are easier to be reduced therefore sulphide ores and carbonate ores are first converted into oxides
• Therefore the extraction process consist of two processes
– Conversion to oxide
– reduction
Conversion to Oxides
1. Calcination - Heating in a limited supply of air or oxygen.
– Usually carbonate ores are subjected to this process
– Volatile matter escapes leaving behind the Oxide
2. Roasting - Heating in plenty of Air or oxygen at a temperature below the melting point. Usually sulphide ores are subjected to this process.
