Frequently Asked Questions

Is all silver mined from primary silver mines?

No. Silver can also be recovered from polymetallic lead, zinc, copper and gold operations, which is why byproduct routes are an important part of this site.

What is the difference between ore processing and refining?

Ore processing prepares and concentrates mined material; refining purifies silver-rich intermediate products into higher-purity metal.

What is silver dore?

Dore is an intermediate precious-metal product containing silver, gold and other constituents before final refining.

Why is electrorefining used?

Electrorefining can transfer silver from an impure metal feed into a higher-purity product while impurities behave differently in the electrochemical system.

Does this site provide cyanide or smelting instructions?

No. Cyanide chemistry, furnace operation, electrorefining settings and other hazardous procedures are deliberately excluded.

Where are silver's industrial uses covered?

The separate How Silver Is Used in Industry and Technology site covers electronics, solar, contacts, batteries, coatings and other downstream applications.