Describe the role of
`SiO_(2)` in the extraction of copper from copper matte.
Write chemical equations for the involved reactions.

Explanation

Copper matte is charged into silica line convertor and hot air is blown. The following reactions take place :
`{:(2FeS+3O_(2) to 2FeO+2SO_(2)),(FeO+SiO_(2) to FeSiO_(3)),(2Cu_(2)S +3O_(2)to 2Cu_(2)O+ 2SO_(2)),(2Cu_(2)O +Cu_(2)S to 6Cu+SO_(2)):}`
We obtain blister copper due to the evolation of `SO_2`.