Question

Which of the following methods are employed in the extraction of tin from cassiterite?

• A. Froth floatation
• B. Magnetic Separation
• C. Levigation or Gravity Separation
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B

Magnetic Separation

C

Levigation or Gravity Separation

Cassiterite (${\text{SnO}}_2$) contains some magnetic impurities (${\text{FeWO}}_4+{\text{MnWO}}_4$) which can be removed by magnetic separation. In general this step happens just before the carbon reduction stage. Being an heavy ore it can be concentrated using gravity separation also.