The method used to extract a metal from its ore depends upon the stability of its compound in the ore, which in turn depends upon the reactivity of the metal:

  • The oxides of very reactive metals, such as aluminum, form stable oxides and other compounds. A lot of energy is needed to reduce them to extract the metal.

  • The oxides of lesser reactive metals, such as iron, form less stable oxides and other compounds. Relatively little energy is needed to reduce them to extract the metal.

  So, the method of extraction of a metal from its ore depends on the metal's position in the reactivity series.