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 in producing metals like iron, copper, and lead for various industrial applications. 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 ingots or other shapes, ready for further processing or use in manufacturing.