• Metallurgy




• It is the process of extracting metals from their ores.


• It involves various physical and chemical processes.





• Ore




• It is a mineral from which a metal can be extracted profitably.


• It is usually a compound or a mixture of compounds.





• Extraction Processes




• Hydrometallurgy: It involves the use of aqueous solutions to extract metals from their ores.


• Pyrometallurgy: It involves the use of high temperatures to extract metals from their ores.


• Electrometallurgy: It involves the use of electrical energy to extract metals from their ores.





• Extraction of Some Metals




• Aluminium: It is extracted by the electrolysis of alumina (Al₂O₃) dissolved in molten cryolite (Na₃AlF₆).


• Copper: It is extracted by the pyrometallurgical process of smelting, where copper concentrate is roasted to remove sulfur and other impurities, and then melted in a furnace with coke and silica to form blister copper.


• Iron: It is extracted by the pyrometallurgical process of smelting, where iron ore is heated with coke and limestone in a blast furnace to produce molten pig iron, which is then refined into steel.





• Environmental Impact




• The extraction of metals from their ores can have negative environmental impacts, such as air and water pollution, land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.


• Efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact of metal extraction processes through the use of cleaner technologies and recycling.

Metallurgy is the process of extracting metals from their ores. It involves various physical and chemical processes. An ore is a mineral from which a metal can be extracted profitably, and it is usually a compound or a mixture of compounds. The extraction processes include hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and electrometallurgy. Some metals, such as aluminium, copper, and iron, are extracted using different processes. The extraction of metals from their ores can have negative environmental impacts, such as air and water pollution, land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact of metal extraction processes through the use of cleaner technologies and recycling.