beneficiation

noun

ben·​e·​fi·​ci·​a·​tion ˌbe-nə-ˌfi-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce beneficiation (audio)
: the treatment of raw material (such as iron ore) to improve physical or chemical properties especially in preparation for smelting
beneficiate transitive verb

Examples of beneficiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beneficiation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beneficiation was circa 1881

Dictionary Entries Near beneficiation

Cite this Entry

“Beneficiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficiation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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