Topic Content:
- Stages of Producing Metals
- Extraction
- Smelting
- Casting
Most metals do not occur in pure state. They are usually combined with other unwanted metals and earthly impurities, to form what is called mineral ore. When the ore is mined, the required metal is extracted from it. Some of the impurities removed from the ores are manganese, phosphorous, silicon, sulphur, etc. This is done in a blast furnace through a process called smelting.
In Nigeria, Iron is found in large quantities in areas like Itakpe and Ajaokuta, in Kogi State.
The stages involved in the processing of metals are discussed below:
Stage 1 – Extraction Stage:
The first step in metal production always involves some form of mining. Mining refers to the process of removing the metal, in its free or combined state, from the Earth’s surface.
The rock containing the metal is dug from the soil with drilling and excavating equipment. The rock and the metal mixed together is called the metal ore (the impure metal)
The ore contains impurities that must be removed in a blast furnace in a process called smelting.
Stage 2 – Smelting Stage:
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