Cu is a ductile and high conducting metal and find most application in electrical purposes. Cu is just below Ag in terms of conductivity.
Cu is found in earth crust in the form of sulphide ore called as chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). Extraction of this is done using sequence of steps such as 1. Concentration using froth flotation, 2. Roasting, 3. Matte Smelting, 4. Converting and finally 5. Refining.
All processes have been discussed in this starting from roasting to refining.
Concentration is not discussed which I will discuss here:
Froth flotation is used to separate copper concentrate from gangue and for this a big container containing water is taken and pine oil is used along with air to create froth and xanthate is used as collector which modifies the surface of the ore particle such that it gets attached to the bubble and it rises along with bubble to the top, this helps to separate copper concentrate from ore.
Functioning of collector depends on pH: Basic should be the environment and hence CaO is added to increase the basicity of the system.
Rest please see the video and find it useful for your exam preparation.
