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.
—
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share