What is the name of the process in which concentrated ore is heated strongly in the absence of air to melt or drive off volatile impurities?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Calcination is a thermal treatment process where a concentrated ore is heated strongly below its melting point in the absence or limited supply of air to expel volatile matter and convert carbonates or hydroxides into metal oxides. This contrasts with roasting, which involves heating ores in the presence of excess air. Metallurgy questions are a standard component of chemistry syllabi.