Question

Extraction of copper from copper pyrite $CuFe{S}_2$ involves

• A. Crushing followed by concentration of the ore by froth-floatation
• B. Removal of Iron as slag
• C. Self-reduction step to produce 'blister copper' following evolution of $S{O}_2$
• D. Refining of 'blister copper' by carbon reduction

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

Self-reduction step to produce 'blister copper' following evolution of $S{O}_2$

First, the ore is ground into a fine powder through crushing and grinding. Since the ore is a sulphide ore, it is concentrated using froth-floatation.
Eventually, the iron in $CuFe{S}_2$ is removed as $FeSi{O}_3$ - as slag.
The mixture of $C{u}_{2}S$ and $C{u}_{2}O$ undergoes self-reduction to yield blister copper (there are blisters because of the evolution of $S{O}_2$ and other gases).

It is then refined electrolytically to get very pure metallic copper.