CHEMISTRY GUIDE

Topic 2.7 EXTRACTING METALS FROM THEIR ORES Most metals do not occur native. They exist in compounds, usually oxides or sulphides. These compounds are known as minerals . A rock which contains this mineral is called an ore . A number of methods are used to extract metals from their ores. The best method to use depends on a number of factors: -           Will the method successfully extract the metal? This depends on the reactivity of the metal -           How much do the reactants cost? Raw materials vary widely in cost -           What purity is needed, and are the purification methods expensive? Some metals are not useful unless very pure, others are useful impure -           How much ene...