What features of non-ferrous metal ores can be attributed to their advantages, and what to disadvantages?

The cost of non-ferrous metal products is much more expensive than ferrous ones. This is explained by the fact that the content of the useful component in non-ferrous metal ores is extremely small – 1-3%, or even less. To smelt metal, you need to extract, transport, process a huge amount of ore, which increases the cost of production – and this is the main disadvantage of non-ferrous metal ores. Ore reserves in our country are located far from the main consumers, often in the northern regions. Extraction in difficult natural conditions, transportation of ore, concentrate, rolled metal over long distances increases the cost of metal.

Many non-ferrous metal ores contain several types of useful components, these are the so-called polymetallic ores. Comprehensive use of raw materials is more profitable. Some types of ore, for example bauxite, have a small mass and, after enrichment, are easily transported over long distances, which is very important for our country. In the earth’s crust, ore masses are easily distinguishable by color, which facilitates exploration and extraction. And these are the main advantages of non-ferrous metal ores.