Metals can be extracted from their ores using several methods, including smelting, electrolysis, and reduction with carbon.

Smelting is a widely used technique for extracting metals from ores. This process involves heating the ore to high temperatures in a furnace, which facilitates the separation of the metal from other elements present in the ore. Once the metal is separated, it is collected and purified. For example, iron is extracted from its ore, iron oxide, through smelting in a blast furnace. During this process, the iron oxide is heated in the presence of carbon. The carbon reacts with the oxygen in the ore to form carbon dioxide, resulting in the formation of pure iron.

Electrolysis is another method utilized for metal extraction, particularly for more reactive metals such as aluminum and sodium. This process involves passing an electric current through a solution of the ore. As a result, the metal ions migrate toward the negative electrode, where they gain electrons and are converted into metal atoms. For instance, aluminum is extracted from its ore, bauxite, using electrolysis. Initially, the bauxite is treated to produce a solution of aluminum oxide, which is then subjected to electrolysis to yield pure aluminum.

Reduction with carbon is also employed to extract metals from ores. This method resembles smelting; however, instead of solely heating the ore, it is mixed with carbon and heated. The carbon reacts with the oxygen in the ore to produce carbon dioxide, leaving behind the desired metal. This technique is commonly used for extracting metals such as zinc, iron, and tin.

Each of these extraction methods has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The choice of method is influenced by various factors, including the reactivity of the metal and the cost associated with the extraction process. For example, while electrolysis tends to be more expensive than reduction with carbon, it is essential for extracting more reactive metals.