The science of metals and extraction from their ores Egyptians are known to have smelted iron in 4,000 BC Lead was probably the first metal that was smelted due to the low heat required Prior to then, ancient people found gold, silver, etc in their pure (native) state and made objects from the nuggets
Metallurgy is the scientific study of the properties and uses of metals. the scientific study of metals and their uses (metallurgia, from metallon ( METAL) + -ergos ). Art and science of extracting metals from their ores and modifying the metals for use. Metallurgy usually refers to commercial rather than laboratory methods. It also concerns the chemical, physical, and atomic properties and structures of metals and the principles by which metals are combined to form alloys. Metals are extracted from crude ore in two phases, mineral processing (also known as ore dressing) and process metallurgy. In mineral processing, the ore is broken down to isolate the desired metallic elements from the crude ore. In process metallurgy, the resulting minerals are reduced to metal, alloyed, and made available for use. See also blast furnace; powder metallurgy; smelting
The science and technology of metals and alloys Process metallurgy is concerned with the extraction of metals from their ores and with the refining of metals; physical metallurgy, with the physical and mechanical properties of metals as affected by composition, processing, and environmental conditions; and mechanical metallurgy, with the response of metals to applied forces
The art of working metals, comprehending the whole process of separating them from other matters in the ore, smelting, refining, and parting them; sometimes, in a narrower sense, only the process of extracting metals from their ores
The science and technology of metals, a broad field that includes but is not limited to the study of internal structures and properties of metals and the effects on them of various processing methods
Concentrate the dilute metal solutions into higher concentration Smaller volume solutions to be used in electrolytic deposition (Ex: treatment of low-grade copper ores)