In the world of metal smelting, pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy are two important methods with many differences.

In principle, pyrometallurgy mainly relies on the effect of high temperature, using the heat energy generated by fuel combustion to separate metals from ores through a series of high-temperature processes such as smelting and refining. For example, during iron smelting, iron ore is gradually converted into molten iron through high temperature in a blast furnace. Wet smelting, on the other hand, relies on chemical reactions in the solution, usually by reacting ores in specific acid, alkali, or other solutions to introduce metals into the solution in the form of ions, and then extracting the metals through displacement, electrolysis, and other means. For example, wet copper smelting uses copper sulfate solution to undergo displacement reaction with iron to obtain copper. In terms of operating conditions, pyrometallurgy requires equipment such as large furnaces that can withstand high temperatures, and the ambient temperature is very high. Wet processes are often carried out in reaction vessels at room temperature or slightly higher temperatures, with relatively mild conditions.In terms of applicability, pyrometallurgy is commonly used for large-scale smelting of most common metals such as steel and copper. Wet methods are more suitable for processing low-grade ores and extracting metals with high purity requirements and special properties.

In short, pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy each have their own characteristics, and together they contribute to the continuous development of the metal smelting industry.