Zinc ore is a natural mineral from which zinc is extracted. The most common types of zinc ore are sphalerite, which contains a high percentage of zinc, and smithsonite. These ores are typically found in sedimentary rocks and are mined for their valuable zinc content. Zinc is an essential metal used in various applications, including galvanizing steel to prevent rust, making batteries, and producing alloys. The extraction process involves crushing the ore and using methods like flotation to separate zinc from other minerals. This makes zinc ore an important resource in the mining industry.