Question
State the role of silica in the metallurgy of copper.
Solution
During the roasting of pyrite ore, a mixture of FeO and Cu2O is obtained.
The role of silica in the metallurgy of copper is to remove the iron oxide obtained during the process of roasting as ‘slag’. FeS obtained from roasting iron sulphide ore is converted into FeO which forms iron silicate with silica (SiO2). Thus FeO is removed as FeSiO3 (slag).
The role of silica in the metallurgy of copper is to remove the iron oxide obtained during the process of roasting as ‘slag’. FeS obtained from roasting iron sulphide ore is converted into FeO which forms iron silicate with silica (SiO2). Thus FeO is removed as FeSiO3 (slag).
