The prime objective of this review series is to demonstrate the significant role of physicochemical principles in the development and improvement of extraction technologies for different types of metals categorized as common, reactive, rare and refractory. In this part we highlight the roles of phase rule, free energy and activity in roasting and smelting of sulfides. Continuing development of new technologies and reduction in the number of steps in the production of copper, lead, zinc and nickel have been possible because of the thorough understanding and application of the physical chemistry of reactions involved in different extraction steps. The theoretical bases behind the development of several new technologies and the difficulties in realizing certain worthwhile concepts in industrial practices are explained.
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