Extraction of metals from their

ores and uses

Objectives
Objectives
Introduction

Silver, gold and other unreactive metals can be mined directly from the Earth's crust, where they occur in their
free elemental state. Most metal s are found combined with other elements in impure ionic compounds, known
as ores. The metals have to be extracted from these ores. Metal oxides, sulfides and carbonates are some of the
most important ores. During extraction from its are, the metal cations are discharged to form atoms by gaining
electrons. The extraction of metals is therefore a reduction process.
Choosing an extraction method

The extraction method used depends on the position of the metal in the reactivity series:
• Metals high in the reactivity series (aluminium and above) are extracted by electrolysis of their molten ores.
They require a powerful method of reduction because they form very stable ions which are difficult to reduce.
Electrolysis is a powerful method, but it uses a lot of energy and is very expensive.
• Metals lower down in the series (zinc and below) are extracted by heating their ores with a reducing agent such
as carbon, carbon monoxide or hydrogen. They require a less powerful method of reduction than electrolysis
because their ions are less stable and easier to reduce. Heating their ores with a reducing agent is a less powerful
method, uses less energy and is less expensive than electrolysis.
What did you learn??

1. What is the ore of aluminium

2. How is the extraction carried out
3. Why is cryolite used?
4. What type of electrodes are used
5. What is the equation for the reaction at the anode and cathode
Extraction of Aluminium
What did you learn??

1. What is the ore of iron

2. How is the extraction carried out
3. What does the charge consist of?
4. What are the reactions that take place in the blast furnace
5. Why is limestone used?
Home work

Write an essay discussing the harmful effect of metals and their compounds to living systems and the
environment. Lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium.