Reduction of oxide ores is accomplished using a variety of methods, such as smelting, leaching, and roasting. Smelting involves the use of heat and a reducing agent, such as coke, to separate the metal component of the ore from its oxide component. Leaching uses a chemical solution, such as sulphuric acid, to dissolve the metal component from its oxide component. Roasting involves the use of heat to break down the molecular structure of the ore and thereby reduce the oxide component.