Extraction of Metals

                  The concentrated ores are still in their original oxides, sulphide or halides forms. To obtain pure metals from these chemicals, it is better convert the metal compounds into oxides. Oxides of metals can be reduced easily and pure metal can be obtained. Therefore the two main steps of extraction of metals are,

1. Conversion of ores into oxides
2. Reduction of metal oxides

Conversion of ores into oxides:

• Roasting 
• Calcination 

Reduction of metal oxides:

• Smelting
• Reduction by carbon
• Reduction by hydrogen
• Reduction by metal