The most commonly mined sulfide minerals are vital sources of various metals used in a wide range of industrial applications. Below is a list of the major sulfide minerals, along with their key uses:

1. Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Copper Production: Chalcopyrite is the primary ore of copper, accounting for the majority of copper mined globally. Copper is essential for electrical wiring, electronics, construction materials, and renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines).
    • Alloying: Copper obtained from chalcopyrite is used in alloys like brass (copper + zinc) and bronze (copper + tin), which are important for machinery, coins, and sculptures.

2. Galena (PbS)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Lead Production: Galena is the most important ore of lead. Lead extracted from galena is used in batteries, especially lead-acid batteries for vehicles and backup power systems.
    • Radiation Shielding: Lead is used for shielding from radiation in medical and nuclear industries.
    • Ammunition: Lead is also used in the manufacturing of bullets and other ammunition.

3. Sphalerite (ZnS)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Zinc Production: Sphalerite is the main ore of zinc, a metal used primarily for galvanizing steel (coating steel to prevent rust), as well as in the production of brass, batteries, die-casting, and zinc-based alloys.
    • Chemicals: Zinc is used in the production of zinc oxide, which is employed in rubber manufacturing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and paints.

4. Pentlandite ((Fe,Ni)₆S₈)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Nickel Production: Pentlandite is the primary ore of nickel, used extensively in the production of stainless steel, high-strength alloys, and battery materials (especially in electric vehicle batteries).
    • Electronics and Alloys: Nickel is used in producing durable alloys for turbines, aerospace applications, and chemical processing equipment.

5. Pyrite (FeS₂)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Sulfur Production: Pyrite is mined for sulfur, which is used in the production of sulfuric acid (a key industrial chemical). Sulfuric acid is essential in manufacturing fertilizers, chemicals, petroleum refining, and metals processing.
    • Gold Extraction: Pyrite can contain trace amounts of gold and is sometimes processed for gold extraction, though it is not the primary ore for gold.

6. Arsenopyrite (FeAsS)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Arsenic Production: Arsenopyrite is a primary ore of arsenic, which has uses in semiconductors, pesticides, and wood preservatives.
    • Gold Extraction: Arsenopyrite can also contain gold and is processed for gold extraction, especially in refractory gold ores where gold is encapsulated within arsenic-bearing minerals.

7. Bornite (Cu₅FeS₄)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Copper Extraction: Bornite, often known as peacock ore due to its iridescent colors, is another source of copper. It is typically found in copper deposits alongside chalcopyrite and other copper-bearing minerals.

8. Molybdenite (MoS₂)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Molybdenum Production: Molybdenite is the primary ore of molybdenum, a metal used in making steel alloys (especially high-strength and heat-resistant alloys). Molybdenum is also used in electronics and lubricants.

9. Cinnabar (HgS)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Mercury Production: Cinnabar is the primary ore of mercury, which is used in thermometers, barometers, switches, and fluorescent lighting. However, mercury use is declining due to its environmental toxicity.

10. Chalcocite (Cu₂S)

  • Industrial Application:
    • Copper Production: Chalcocite is an important copper ore, containing a high percentage of copper. It is often processed in copper extraction, especially in heap leaching methods for copper mining.