Metallurgy

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Metallurgy is the study of metals. It can be subdivided into physical metallurgy, which addresses the physical properties of metals, and extractive metallurgy, which concerns itself with the processes by which they are produced.

The field is also divided into ferrous (iron-based) and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are the most important metals in the Earth's economy, with mild steel alone accounting for about 95% of total metal production.

Differences in Martian abundances

On Earth, the 'iron loving' elements were pulled into the core; thus they are rare in Earth's crust and mantle. Mars' core and mantle seem to be less differentiated, so it is possible that these metals are more common on Mars surface. If true, this would be a boon to the future Martian economy as valuable metals would be easier to find and extract.

Martian metallurgy

Martian extraction process will depend significantly on if past geophysical processes have created concentrations of ore bearing minerals. The most common metals on Mars, as on Earth, are Silicon, Aluminium, Iron, calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium. All of these are present in the form of oxides or sulfates, free metals being very rare in nature.

Mars' lower gravity may affect floatation separation processes that are common in mineral processing on Earth.

Metal extraction with Carbonyls

Carbon monoxide at moderate pressures and temperatures can form carbonyls. Metal atoms leave the surface of the rock or dust, and form a toxic liquid formed of a metal ion surrounded by several carbon monoxide molecules. As well as being used to extract metal from ores, 3D printing of the carbonyl liquid, can deposit pure metal in whatever shape needed. It is likely that such techniques will be used by future Mars industry. See: Metal carbonyl.