Smelting is a process used to extract metal from its ore by heating it to high temperatures. During smelting, the ore is combined with a reducing agent, often carbon, which helps to separate the metal from other elements in the ore. This process is essential for producing metals like iron, copper, and lead. The smelting process typically takes place in a furnace, where the mixture is heated until the metal melts and can be separated from impurities. The resulting molten metal can then be poured into molds to create various products. Smelting is a crucial step in the metal production industry.