Zinc smelting is the process of extracting zinc metal from its ores, primarily sphalerite. The process typically involves roasting the ore to convert it into zinc oxide, followed by reduction using carbon or other reducing agents to produce metallic zinc. The smelting process can be carried out using various methods, including the pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques. In pyrometallurgy, high temperatures are used, while hydrometallurgy involves leaching the ore with acids or other solvents. The resulting zinc can then be refined and used in various applications, such as galvanizing steel and producing alloys.