ABSTRACT

After mining, the next step in traditional metal extraction is mineral processing, in which the valuable minerals are liberated from the gangue material in the ore. Following this, the minerals are separated into a separate stream, using differences between their physical properties and those of the gangue. In some cases, chemical or thermal processes may be used to remove impurities from the concentrated minerals. As a final step, the concentrated minerals may be agglomerated to make them easier to ship and easier to handle in subsequent smelting processes.