Q1: Matte smelting is used in the extraction of

ANS:D - copper

Matte smelting is primarily used in the extraction of copper. Explanation:

• Matte smelting is a metallurgical process used to extract metals from their ores, particularly those metals that are not easily reducible directly from their ores.
• In the case of copper extraction, matte smelting involves the initial roasting of copper sulfide ores to convert them into copper oxide, followed by reduction of the copper oxide with carbon or carbon monoxide to obtain crude copper, often in the form of copper matte.
• The copper matte typically contains various impurities, including iron, sulfur, and traces of other metals.
• Subsequent refining processes, such as converting and electrolytic refining, are then employed to purify the crude copper and produce high-purity copper metal suitable for various applications.
• Matte smelting is also used in the extraction of other base metals like nickel and cobalt, but its most common application historically has been in the extraction of copper.