Zinc ores are natural mineral deposits that contain significant amounts of the element zinc. The most common zinc ore is sphalerite, which is primarily composed of zinc sulfide. Other zinc-bearing minerals include smithsonite and hemimorphite. These ores are typically mined and processed to extract zinc, which is essential for various industrial applications. Zinc is widely used in galvanization, a process that protects steel and iron from corrosion. It is also an important component in the production of alloys, batteries, and various chemical compounds. The extraction and processing of zinc ores play a crucial role in meeting global demand for this versatile metal.