Question

What is the purpose of calcining an ore?

Answer 1

Calcination is a process of converting the carbonates and hydrated ores into an oxide by heating it below its fusion point.

Purpose of calcining an ore:

1. The purpose of calcination is to decompose the material by heating.
2. The heating of the material helps to remove any volatile material and oxidizes the substance.
3. Calcination is widely used in oxidizing carbonate compounds.

Calcination of zinc carbonate:

${\mathrm{ZnCO}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)\stackrel{∆}{\to }\mathrm{ZnO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$