Copper refining is the process of purifying copper ore to produce high-quality copper metal. It typically involves two main steps: smelting and electrolysis. In smelting, copper ore is heated in a furnace to separate impurities, resulting in a material called copper matte. The second step, electrolysis, involves dissolving the copper matte in a solution and passing an electric current through it. This process causes pure copper to deposit onto electrodes, while impurities remain in the solution. The final product is high-purity copper, which is used in various applications, including electrical wiring and plumbing.