How metals are recovered from rock Metals-3-1 Image: G. Plumlee, USGS Mining removes metal-bearing rock from the Earths crust. Metals-3-2 Image: ASARCO, Inc. Crushed metal-bearing rock is ready to be processed to remove the contained metals. Metals-3-3 Image: Kennecott Utah Copper Co. Facilities called mills grind crushed metal-bearing rock to small particles composed of individual mineral grains. Metals-3-4 Image: ASARCO, Inc. 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. 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 Facilities called smelters melt metal- bearing minerals in ways that separate the metals from impurities. Metals-3-7 Image: Martin Miller 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