Copper extraction is the process of obtaining copper metal from its ores. The most common method involves crushing the ore and then using a technique called flotation to separate the copper minerals from the waste material. The concentrated copper is then smelted in a furnace, where it is heated to high temperatures to remove impurities. After smelting, the copper undergoes electrolytic refining, where it is dissolved in an electrolyte solution and then deposited onto cathodes as pure copper. This process ensures that the final product is of high quality, suitable for various applications, including electrical wiring and plumbing.