Which type of metallurgy focuses on the extraction and purification of metals from ores?

Extractive metallurgy is the branch of metallurgy that deals specifically with the processes involved in the extraction of metals from their ores and the subsequent purification of these metals. This field encompasses various methods, including pyrometallurgy (the use of high temperatures to extract metals) and hydrometallurgy (using aqueous chemical solutions), among others. The emphasis is on understanding the chemical and physical properties of the metals and their ores to develop efficient techniques for their extraction and refinement.

Mechanical metallurgy is primarily concerned with the behavior of metals under stress and various manufacturing processes, while physical metallurgy focuses on the relationships between the physical structure of metals and their properties. Environmental metallurgy, on the other hand, emphasizes the environmental aspects and impacts of metallic processes and materials, such as recycling and pollution control. Thus, extractive metallurgy stands out as the specifically relevant discipline for the extraction and purification of metals from ores.