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How Are Metal Extracted From Ores 1
How Are Metal Extracted From Ores 1
How Are Metal Extracted From Ores 1
1. Mining: The first step in metal extraction is mining, which involves the removal of the ore from the ground.
This is typically done using large machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and drilling equipment.
2. Crushing and Grinding: The ore is then crushed and ground into small particles to increase the surface area
available for the next step.
3. Concentration: The crushed ore is then separated from the waste rock through a process called
concentration. This is typically done using flotation, which involves adding chemicals that bind to the metal
and float it to the top of the solution.
4. Smelting: The concentrated metal is then extracted through smelting, which involves heating the ore to high
temperatures to melt the metal. This creates a molten metal that can be separated from the other
components of the ore.
5. Refining: The molten metal is then refined to remove impurities and produce a high-quality product. This is
typically done through a process called electrolysis, which involves passing an electric current through the
molten metal.
6. Casting: The final step in the process is casting, where the refined metal is shaped into the desired form,
such as ingots, bars, or sheets.
Stainless Steel
To make stainless steel, the raw
materials like iron ore, chromium,
silicon, nickel, etc. are melted
together in an electric furnace. This
step usually involves 8 to 12 hours
of intense heat. Next, the mixture is
cast into one of several shapes,
including blooms, billets, and slabs.