Why lime is added in the smelting process?

Lime is added in the smelting process primarily to act as a flux, which helps to remove impurities from the metal ores being processed. It reacts with silica and other impurities to form slag, which can be easily separated from the molten metal. This not only improves the quality of the final product but also facilitates the overall efficiency of the smelting operation. Additionally, lime helps to stabilize the furnace environment and maintain the desired chemical balance during smelting.