Extraction of Copper:-

In the Ellingham Diagram Cu₂O curve lie above the C, CO and CO, CO₂ curves hence can be easily reduced y C. The sulphide ore (Cu₂S) is first oxidized to Cu₂O and than reduced by C. However, the most commonly available source of Copper is Copper Pyrites (CuFeS₂). The ore is roasted to gives sulphides to Copper and iron which are partly oxidized.

The roasted ore is mixed with silica (Flux) and little coke and heated in blast furnace. During smelting, iron oxide is converted to slag (FeSiO₃). Slag and copper are obtained in molten form known as copper matte which chiefly consists of Cu₂S and some unchanged FeS.

The molten matter is than heated in silica lined Bessemer converter where FeS is converted to FeO and combines with silica to give slag. Thus whole of iron sulphide is removed. In the Bessemer converted some of Cu₂S is converted to Cu₂O, which further reacts with Cu₂S to give Cu-metal.

  On cooling the SO₂ escapes and the impure Cu solidifies with some gas trapped and is called Blister Copper.