Question

Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous minerals? (5 mark question)

Answer 1

Generally more expensive than ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals are used because of desirable properties such as low weight (e.g. aluminium), higher conductivity (e.g. copper), non-magnetic property or resistance to corrosion (e.g. zinc). Some non-ferrous materials are also used in the iron and steel industries.

Answer 2

Ferrous Metals mostly contain Iron. They have small amounts of other metals or elements added, to give the required properties. Ferrous Metals are magnetic and give little resistance to corrosion. Some examples of the ferrous metals we deal with:

Vehicle scrap metal,Demolition, Site scrap metal,Metal offcuts from manufacturing industries

Non-Ferrous Metals do not contain Iron, are not magnetic & are usually more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals.

Some examples of Non-Ferrous Metals we deal with are:

Aluminium & Aluminium Alloys,Copper,Brass,Lead,Zinc;Stainless Steel,Electrical Cable