1. How metals are recovered from rock Metals-3-1 Image: G. Plumlee, USGS

2. Mining removes metal-bearing rock from the Earth’s crust. Metals-3-2 Image: ASARCO, Inc.

3. Crushed metal-bearing rock is ready to be processed to remove the contained metals. Metals-3-3 Image: Kennecott Utah Copper Co.

4. Facilities called mills grind crushed metal-bearing rock to small particles composed of individual mineral grains. Metals-3-4 Image: ASARCO, Inc.

5. After grinding, metal-bearing minerals are separated from other mineral particles by attaching them to soapy bubbles that float to the surface of agitated vats. Metals-3-5 Images: ASARCO, Inc.

6. In some rocks, metals can be separated by percolating solutions through them that dissolve the contained metals (leaching). Gold is commonly recovered this way. Metals-3-6

7. Facilities called smelters melt metal- bearing minerals in ways that separate the metals from impurities. Metals-3-7 Image: Martin Miller

8. The molten metal recovered at smelters is poured into molds and allowed to solidify. This metal is then ready for refining and fabrication into things we need. Metals-3-8 Image: Martin Miller