The GATE Grind

GATE 2021 MT – Question 23

Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy · Non-ferrous extraction · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which is a hydrometallurgical operation?

  1. Roasting
  2. Leaching
  3. Zone refining
  4. Smelting

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) Leaching

Explanation

Leaching dissolves selected metal-bearing species into an aqueous reagent, the defining hydrometallurgical step. Roasting and smelting are thermal treatments; zone refining redistributes solute during melting.

Thus **B**.