Question

In isolation of which one of the following metals from their ores, the use of cyanide salt is not commonly involved?

Options

• Zinc

• Gold

• Silver

• Copper

Answer 1

Copper

Explanation:

KCN is used as a depressant in the ZnS froth flotation process to separate ZnS and PbS ores. CaCN is used in the cyanide process to extract silver and gold from ores by dissolving them in a dilute solution of sodium cyanide or potassium cyanide. Copper metal is extracted without the use of cyanide salts.