Question
Discuss some of the factors which need consideration before deciding on the method of extraction of metal from its ore.
Solution
Some of the factors which need consideration before deciding on the method of extraction of metal from its ore are:
Type of impurity present in the ore.
(i) Hand picking: When the ore and impurities differ in the size and the shapes of the particles.
(ii) Gravity separation: When the gangue impurities are lighter than the ore.This can be achieved by washing with a stream of running water.
(iii) Froth floatation process: This is used for sulphide ores.
(iv) Magnetic process: This is used in those cases where the impurities of ore are of magnetic nature.
