Question

Give reason. Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the process of extraction. Why?

Answer 1

The metals in the middle of the activity series such as iron, zinc, lead, copper are moderately reactive. These are usually present as sulphides or carbonates in nature. It is easier to obtain a metal from its oxide, as compared to its sulphides and carbonates. Therefore prior to reduction, the Metal sulphides and carbonates must be converted into metal oxides.