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Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles(22)Ironmaking(9)Primary and Secondary Steelmaking(9)

Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

22 Questions

GATE→2026→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q1

MCQ[1 Mark]

Which one of the following options is correct? Red mud is generated in the production of: (A) Aluminium (B) Iron (C) Titanium (D) Copper

(A)

Aluminium

(B)

Iron

(C)

Titanium

(D)

Copper

Explanation

GATE→2026→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q2

MCQ[2 Marks]

Match the unit operation in Column I with the resulting product in Column II:\nColumn I: (P) COREX Process (Q) Bayer Process (R) Matte Smelting (S) MIDREX Process\nColumn II: (1) Direct Reduced Iron (2) Pig Iron (3) Alumina (4) Copper (A) P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1 (B) P-2, Q-3, R-4, S-1 (C) P-1, Q-3, R-4, S-2 (D) P-2, Q-4, R-3, S-1

(A)

P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1

(B)

P-2, Q-3, R-4, S-1

(C)

P-1, Q-3, R-4, S-2

(D)

P-2, Q-4, R-3, S-1

Explanation

GATE→2026→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q3

NAT[2 Marks]

An ore containing $30\text{ wt.}\%$ chalcopyrite has ___ $\text{wt.}\%$ copper.

Explanation

GATE→2026→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q4

NAT[2 Marks]

Decrease in decomposition potential when replacing inert anode with carbon anode at $1300\text{ K}$ is ___ Volts.

Explanation

GATE→2025→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q5

MCQ[1 Mark]

Match the following elements in Column I with their respective ores in Column II.\nColumn I:\nP. Al\nQ. Fe\nR. Ti\nS. Cu\nColumn II: 1. Rutile 2. Hematite 3. Chalcopyrite 4. Bauxite (A) P-4, Q-2, R-3, S-1 (B) P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3 (C) P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2 (D) P-4, Q-2, R-1, S-3

(A)

P-4, Q-2, R-3, S-1

(B)

P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3

(C)

P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2

(D)

P-4, Q-2, R-1, S-3

Explanation

GATE→2025→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q6

NAT[2 Marks]

The diameter of spherical galena particles that have the same settling velocity as spherical quartz particles of diameter $25\text{ }\mu\text{m}$ (both settling in water) is ___ $\mu\text{m}$ (rounded off to one decimal place). Assume Stokes law of settling to be valid. (Given: Density of galena $= 7400\text{ kg m}^{-3}$, density of quartz $= 2600\text{ kg m}^{-3}$, density of water $= 1000\text{ kg m}^{-3}$)

Explanation

GATE→2025→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q7

NAT[2 Marks]

Copper is being electrodeposited from a $CuSO_4$ bath onto a stainless steel cathode of total surface area of $2\text{ m}^2$ in an electrolytic cell operated at a current density of $200\text{ A m}^{-2}$ with a current efficiency of $90\%$. The mass of copper deposited in $24\text{ h}$ is ___ $\text{kg}$ (rounded off to two decimal places). (Given: Faraday's constant $= 96500\text{ C mol}^{-1}$, atomic mass of copper $= 63.5\text{ g mol}^{-1}$)

Explanation

GATE→2024→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q8

MCQ[1 Mark]

Wet high intensity magnetic separators (WHIMS) are used to concentrate (A) fine ($<75\text{ }\mu\text{m}$) paramagnetic minerals. (B) coarse ($>75\text{ }\mu\text{m}$) ferromagnetic minerals. (C) coarse ($>75\text{ }\mu\text{m}$) paramagnetic minerals. (D) fine ($<75\text{ }\mu\text{m}$) ferromagnetic minerals.

(A)

fine (<75 \mu m) paramagnetic minerals.

(B)

coarse (>75 \mu m) ferromagnetic minerals.

(C)

coarse (>75 \mu m) paramagnetic minerals.

(D)

fine (<75 \mu m) ferromagnetic minerals.

Explanation

GATE→2024→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q9

MCQ[1 Mark]

Which one of the following reagents is NOT used in froth flotation process? (A) Lixiviants (B) Collectors (C) Activators (D) Depressants

(A)

Lixiviants

(B)

Collectors

(C)

Activators

(D)

Depressants

Explanation

GATE→2024→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q10

MCQ[1 Mark]

Which one of the following processes is NOT related to the extraction and refining of titanium from ilmenite ore? (A) Pidgeon's process (B) Sorel process (C) Van Arkel process (D) Kroll's process

(A)

Pidgeon's process

(B)

Sorel process

(C)

Van Arkel process

(D)

Kroll's process

Explanation

GATE→2024→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q11

MCQ[1 Mark]

Which one of the following is the correct statement about the industrial production of aluminium from pure dry alumina by Hall-Héroult electrolytic reduction? (A) Cell is operated at a high voltage (220 to 240 V) with a very low current density. (B) Cell is operated at a low voltage (5 to 7 V) with a very low current density. (C) Cell is operated at a high voltage (220 to 240 V) with a very high current density. (D) Cell is operated at a low voltage (5 to 7 V) with a very high current density.

(A)

Cell is operated at a high voltage (220 to 240 V) with a very low current density.

(B)

Cell is operated at a low voltage (5 to 7 V) with a very low current density.

(C)

Cell is operated at a high voltage (220 to 240 V) with a very high current density.

(D)

Cell is operated at a low voltage (5 to 7 V) with a very high current density.

Explanation

GATE→2024→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q12

NAT[2 Marks]

1000 kg of sphalerite concentrate containing $60\%\text{ ZnS}$ is COMPLETELY roasted with stoichiometric amount of pure oxygen. The amount of oxygen required is ___ $\text{kg}$ (Round off to one decimal place).\nAtomic weights: $\text{Zn} = 65$, $\text{S} = 32$, $\text{O} = 16$.

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q13

MCQ[1 Mark]

Among the following options, a process for liquid-liquid separation is (A) Smelting (B) Roasting (C) Sintering (D) Calcination

(A)

Smelting

(B)

Roasting

(C)

Sintering

(D)

Calcination

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q14

MCQ[1 Mark]

The most effective concentration step for sulfide ores is (A) Froth flotation (B) Magnetic separation (C) Gravity separation (D) Electrostatic separation

(A)

Froth flotation

(B)

Magnetic separation

(C)

Gravity separation

(D)

Electrostatic separation

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q15

MCQ[2 Marks]

Elutriator is used to separate particles based on their sizes in flowing air as shown in the figure. Assuming spherical particles, the diameter ($D_{50}$) of the suspended particles which have 50% chance to report to overflow by turbulent air flow is expressed as...

(A)

Option A

(B)

Option B

(C)

Option C

(D)

Option D

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q16

MCQ[2 Marks]

Match the processes in Column I with the corresponding applications in Column II.\nColumn I: (P) Fused salt electrolysis (Q) Carbothermal reduction (R) Oxidation-refining (S) Matte converting\nColumn II: (1) Ironmaking (2) Aluminium extraction (3) Copper extraction (4) Steelmaking (A) P-2, Q-1, R-4, S-3 (B) P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1 (C) P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2 (D) P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3

(A)

P-2, Q-1, R-4, S-3

(B)

P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1

(C)

P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2

(D)

P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q17

MSQ[2 Marks]

Identify the INCORRECT statement(s) (A) Calcination is typically exothermic and roasting is usually endothermic. (B) Coking of coal is carried out in a shaft furnace. (C) The aims of extractive metallurgy processing are separation, compound formation, metal production, and metal purification. (D) The secondary steelmaking offers steel cleanliness, composition adjustments, and temperature adjustments.

(A)

Calcination is typically exothermic and roasting is usually endothermic.

(B)

Coking of coal is carried out in a shaft furnace.

(C)

The aims of extractive metallurgy processing are separation, compound formation, metal production, and metal purification.

(D)

The secondary steelmaking offers steel cleanliness, composition adjustments, and temperature adjustments.

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q18

NAT[2 Marks]

Copper ore assaying $10\text{ wt.}\%$ Cu is fed to a concentration plant at the rate of $100\text{ tons/h}$. If the grades of concentrate and tailing are $30\text{ wt.}\%$ Cu and $1\text{ wt.}\%$ Cu, respectively, the percentage recovery of copper in concentrate is ___ (round off to nearest integer).

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q19

MCQ[1 Mark]

According to Sieverts' law, the equilibrium solubility of $N_{2}$ (gas) in molten steel is proportional to\nGiven: Equilibrium partial pressure of $N_{2}$ (gas) is $p_{N_{2}}$ (A) $p_{N_{2}}$ (B) $\sqrt{p_{N_{2}}}$ (C) $\frac{1}{p_{N_{2}}}$ (D) $p_{N_{2}}^{2}$

(A)

p_{N_{2}}

(B)

\sqrt{p_{N_{2}}}

(C)

\frac{1}{p_{N_{2}}}

(D)

p_{N_{2}}^{2}

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q20

MCQ[1 Mark]

Titanium is produced commercially by (A) smelting reduction of $TiO_{2}$ (B) thermal dissociation of $TiH_{2}$ (C) reduction of $TiCl_{4}$ by Mg (D) reduction of $TiO_{2}$ by $H_{2}$

(A)

smelting reduction of TiO_{2}

(B)

thermal dissociation of TiH_{2}

(C)

reduction of TiCl4 by Mg

(D)

reduction of TiO_{2} by H_{2}

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q21

MCQ[2 Marks]

Match the following mineral processing operations (Column I) with the corresponding physical principles (Column II)\nColumn I: (P) Flotation (Q) Jigging (R) Tabling (S) Comminution\nColumn II: (1) Difference in speed of lateral movements (2) Hydrophobicity (3) Difference in size reduction (4) Difference in initial acceleration (A) P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3 (B) P-2, Q-3, R-1, S-4 (C) P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2 (D) P-1, Q-4, R-2, S-3

(A)

P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3

(B)

P-2, Q-3, R-1, S-4

(C)

P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2

(D)

P-1, Q-4, R-2, S-3

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Mineral Beneficiation and Extraction Principles

Q22

NAT[2 Marks]

A sieve made of steel wire of diameter $53\text{ }\mu\text{m}$ has an aperture size of $74\text{ }\mu\text{m}$. Its mesh number is ___ (round off to the nearest integer).

Explanation

Ironmaking

9 Questions

GATE→2026→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q23

NAT[2 Marks]

Amount of ore required to produce $1000\text{ kg}$ of hot metal with given blast furnace parameters is ___ $\text{kg}$[cite: 66, 70].

Explanation

GATE→2025→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q24

MSQ[1 Mark]

Which of the following conditions is/are favorable for producing low-silicon hot metal in blast furnace ironmaking? (A) Reduced raceway adiabatic flame temperature (B) Oxygen-enriched blast (C) Lime injection through tuyeres (D) Increased hearth temperature

(A)

Reduced raceway adiabatic flame temperature

(B)

Oxygen-enriched blast

(C)

Lime injection through tuyeres

(D)

Increased hearth temperature

Explanation

GATE→2024→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q25

MCQ[1 Mark]

Which one of the following reactions is the Boudouard's reaction? (A) $C(s) + H_2O(l) \rightarrow H_2(g) + CO(g)$ (B) $C(s) + O_2(g) \rightarrow CO_2(g)$ (C) $C(s) + CO_2(g) \rightarrow 2CO(g)$ (D) $2C(s) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2CO(g)$

(A)

C(s)+H_{2}O(l)\rightarrow H_{2}(g)+CO(g)

(B)

C(s)+O_{2}(g)\rightarrow CO_{2}(g)

(C)

C(s)+CO_{2}(g)\rightarrow2CO(g)

(D)

2C(s)+O_{2}(g)\rightarrow2CO(g)

Explanation

GATE→2024→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q26

MSQ[2 Marks]

Which of the following statements is/are correct? (A) Ultimate analysis of coal involves determination of moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash. (B) Reduction of wustite in blast furnace occurs at the lower part of the stack. (C) Roasting involves reduction of sulfide ores to pure metals. (D) White metal (impure $Cu_2S$) is produced by oxidizing Fe and S during smelting of Cu-Fe matte.

(A)

Ultimate analysis of coal involves determination of moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash.

(B)

Reduction of wustite in blast furnace occurs at the lower part of the stack.

(C)

Roasting involves reduction of sulfide ores to pure metals.

(D)

White metal (impure Cu_{2}S) is produced by oxidizing Fe and S during smelting of Cu-Fe matte.

Explanation

GATE→2024→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q27

NAT[2 Marks]

A non-porous spherical $Fe_2O_3$ particle of initial radius of $5 \times 10^{-2}\text{ m}$ is topo-chemically reduced by $H_2$, where the reactant-product interface is sharp and spherical, and reaction rate is proportional to the interfacial area. The radius of the unreacted $Fe_2O_3$ particle after $600\text{ s}$ will be ___ $\times 10^{-2}\text{ m}$ (Round off to the nearest integer).\nGiven: Rate constant $k = 5 \times 10^{-5}\text{ m s}^{-1}$

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q28

MCQ[1 Mark]

The gas distribution in a blast furnace is controlled by the shape of (A) Cohesive zone (B) Deadman zone (C) Raceway zone (D) Chemical reserve zone

(A)

Cohesive zone

(B)

Deadman zone

(C)

Raceway zone

(D)

Chemical reserve zone

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q29

MSQ[2 Marks]

Which of the following is/are the role(s) of coke in a blast furnace? (A) reducing agent (B) heat source (C) gas permeable medium (D) flux

(A)

reducing agent

(B)

heat source

(C)

gas permeable medium

(D)

flux

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q30

MCQ[1 Mark]

Magnesium treatment is carried out to produce _______ cast iron. (A) white (B) gray (C) spheroidal graphite (D) malleable

(A)

white

(B)

gray

(C)

spheroidal graphite

(D)

malleable

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Ironmaking

Q31

MCQ[1 Mark]

Which one of the following modern practices is used for retarding the solution loss reaction in blast furnace ironmaking? (A) High top pressure (B) Bell-less top (C) Pulverized coal injection (D) Rotating chute for burden distribution

(A)

High top pressure

(B)

Bell-less top

(C)

Pulverized coal injection

(D)

Rotating chute for burden distribution

Explanation

Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

9 Questions

GATE→2026→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q32

MCQ[1 Mark]

Ergun equation is NOT applied in which one of the following unit operations to analyze gas flow behavior: (A) Blast Furnace (B) Sintering (C) Roasting (D) LD Converter

(A)

Blast Furnace

(B)

Sintering

(C)

Roasting

(D)

LD Converter

Explanation

GATE→2025→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q33

MCQ[1 Mark]

Hot metal from a blast furnace is treated with mill scale prior to oxygen steelmaking for _______. (A) dephosphorization (B) decarburization (C) desulphurization (D) desiliconization

(A)

dephosphorization

(B)

decarburization

(C)

desulphurization

(D)

desiliconization

Explanation

GATE→2025→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q34

MCQ[1 Mark]

Which one of the following slag components is responsible for the oxidizing power of steelmaking slags? (A) $SiO_{2}$ (B) $CaO$ (C) $MgO$ (D) $FeO$

(A)

SiO2

(B)

CaO

(C)

MgO

(D)

FeO

Explanation

GATE→2025→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q35

MCQ[2 Marks]

Match the steel plant related processes in Column I with the associated information in Column II.\nColumn I:\nP. Corex\nQ. Electric Arc Furnace\nR. Midrex\nS. Continuous Casting\nColumn II: 1. Melter-gasifier 2. Natural gas reformer 3. Electromagnetic stirrer 4. Hot heel (A) P-1, Q-4, R-2, S-3 (B) P-1, Q-4, R-3, S-2 (C) P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3 (D) P-1, Q-3, R-2, S-4

(A)

P-1, Q-4, R-2, S-3

(B)

P-1, Q-4, R-3, S-2

(C)

P-2, Q-4, R-1, S-3

(D)

P-1, Q-3, R-2, S-4

Explanation

GATE→2025→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q36

NAT[2 Marks]

Molten steel at $1900\text{ K}$ having dissolved hydrogen needs to be vacuum degassed. The equilibrium partial pressure of hydrogen to be maintained to achieve $1\text{ ppm}$ (mass basis) of dissolved hydrogen is ___ Torr (rounded off to two decimal places).\nGiven: For $\frac{1}{2}H_2(g) \rightleftharpoons [H]$, $\log_{10} K_{eq} = -\frac{1900}{T} + 2.4$, $1\text{ atm} = 760\text{ Torr}$

Explanation

GATE→2023→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q37

MCQ[2 Marks]

For supersonic $O_{2}$ jet in basic oxygen furnace steelmaking, choose the correct combination from the following: (1) Converging-diverging nozzle (2) Diverging-converging nozzle (3) $O_{2}$ velocity greater than sound velocity at nozzle throat (Mach number > 1) (4) $O_{2}$ velocity equal to sound velocity at nozzle throat (Mach number = 1) (5) Exit $O_{2}$ jet pressure > atmospheric pressure (6) Exit $O_{2}$ jet pressure < atmospheric pressure (A) (1), (4), (5) (B) (1), (3), (6) (C) (2), (3), (5) (D) (2), (4), (5)

(A)

(1), (4), (5)

(B)

(1), (3), (6)

(C)

(2), (3), (5)

(D)

(2), (4), (5)

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q38

MCQ[1 Mark]

Which one of the following elements has the slowest removal rate from hot metal in basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steelmaking? (A) Carbon (B) Sulfur (C) Silicon (D) Phosphorus

(A)

Carbon

(B)

Sulfur

(C)

Silicon

(D)

Phosphorus

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q39

MSQ[1 Mark]

In continuous casting of steel, mould flux is used for (A) lubrication (B) reducing heat loss (C) inclusion control (D) reducing solidification shrinkage

(A)

lubrication

(B)

reducing heat loss

(C)

inclusion control

(D)

reducing solidification shrinkage

Explanation

GATE→2022→Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy→Primary and Secondary Steelmaking

Q40

NAT[2 Marks]

Molten steel at $1873\text{ K}$ weighing $100\text{ metric tons}$ is desulfurized using $1250\text{ kg}$ of synthetic slag by equilibration. If the sulfur content in the steel is reduced from $0.015\text{ mass}\%$ to $0.0025\text{ mass}\%$, the desulfurizing index is ___ (round off to the nearest integer).

Explanation