The steps involved in the extraction of zinc from zinc blende (ZnS) are as followed:-

1) Concentration: the ore is crushed and then concentrated by froth floatation process.

2) Roasting: the concentrated ore is heated in the presence of an excess of air at about 1200K to form zinc oxide.

ZnS + 3 O₂→ 2 ZnO + 2 SO₂

3) Reduction: ZnO obtained above is mixed with powdered coke and heated to 1673K in a fireclay resort.

4) Electrolytic Refining: Zinc is refined by the process of electrolytic refining. In this process, impure zinc is made the anode and a pure copper strip is made the cathode. The electrode used in an acidified solution of zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄). Electrolysis results in the transfer of zinc in pure form from the anode to the cathode.