Refining
Refining ores allows to obtain more of the primary resource or obtain a secondary resource. At most stages of refining, ore can be smelted directly into the primary resource.
The first stage of ore processing is always the Automatic Hammer: it converts any type of ore into impure ore gravel. It increases the yield of any processed ore by 50% due to its Productivity.
After the Automatic Hammer, various processing methods can be used to process impure ore gravel:
- Macerator. Converts any ore gravel into ore dust. Has a Productivity bonus, increases yield by 50%.
- Ore Washer. Washes impure ore gravel, producing ore gravel and byproducts.
- Chemical Bath. Washes impure ore gravel with solvents to either produce ore gravel and byproducts, or to produce two types of byproducts.
- Sifter. Screens impure ore gravel to produce ore dust, crystals, and byproducts.
Impure ore dust can be used for further processing through the Separator to produce clean ore dust and byproducts.
Ore dust can be used for processing through the Electrolyzer. This is the only stage of ore processing at which liquid (mercury or oxygen) can be obtained from the ore.
