Question

Describe the role of the following in the process mentioned.

Silica in the extraction of copper.

Answer 1

The role of silica in the extraction of copper is to remove the iron oxide obtained during the process of roasting as slag. If the sulphide ore of copper contains iron, the silica (SiO₂) is added as flux before roasting. Then, FeO combines with silica to form iron silicate, FeSiO₃ (Slag).