beneficiation
noun
ben·e·fi·ci·a·tion
ˌbe-nə-ˌfi-shē-ˈā-shən 
: the treatment of raw material (such as iron ore) to improve physical or chemical properties especially in preparation for smelting
Examples of beneficiation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Redistributing Refining Refining rare earth ore into rare earth oxides begins with a process called beneficiation in the industry.
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IEEE Spectrum, 27 Dec. 2024
Sorted glass then goes through beneficiation to remove any contamination, such as bottle caps, labels, or metals.
—Maria Marabito, Treehugger, 6 Apr. 2023
Copper mines use water for flotation beneficiation – the process of crushing ore and separating useless minerals – smelting and electro-refining.
—Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 10 Oct. 2021
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IEEE Spectrum, 27 Dec. 2024
Sorted glass then goes through beneficiation to remove any contamination, such as bottle caps, labels, or metals.
—Maria Marabito, Treehugger, 6 Apr. 2023
Copper mines use water for flotation beneficiation – the process of crushing ore and separating useless minerals – smelting and electro-refining.
—Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 10 Oct. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Beneficiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficiation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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