Given below are two statements: Statement I: In the metallurgy process,sulphide ore is converted to oxide before reduction. Statement II: Oxide ores in general are easier to reduce. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. In many metallurgical processes, sulphide ores are first converted to oxide ores through a process known as roasting or calcination. The conversion of sulphide ore to oxide ore is done to remove the sulphur and simplify the subsequent reduction process. Oxide ores are generally easier to reduce compared to sulphide ores. This is because oxygen is already bonded to the metal in oxide ores, making it easier to remove the oxygen and extract the metal through reduction rea