Sulfide Ores
Sulfide ores are naturally occurring minerals that contain metal sulfides, which are compounds made of metal and sulfur. Common examples include copper sulfide, zinc sulfide, and lead sulfide. These ores are important sources of metals and are often mined for their valuable metal content.
The extraction of metals from sulfide ores typically involves processes like flotation and smelting. During flotation, the ore is mixed with water and chemicals to separate the sulfide minerals from the waste material. Smelting then involves heating the concentrated ore to extract the metal, releasing sulfur dioxide as a byproduct.