Question

Give Reason: Carbonate and Sulphide Ores are usually converted into oxides during the process of Extraction.

Answer 1

Extraction:

• Carbonates are converted into oxides by the process of Calcination by heating in the presence of limited air.
• Sulphides are converted to their oxides by the process of Roasting in excess air.
• Conversion of Carbonates and Sulphides to metals is more complex and economically more critical.
• So while Extraction, they are converted to oxides and then they are converted to their respective metals.

Therefore, Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the process of extraction because extraction of metal is easier from their oxides rather than from their carbonates or sulphides.