Dúsítás

Dúsítás, Hungarian for enrichment, is a term used to describe processes that increase the content or quality of a substance by adding or concentrating desired components. In industry and science, it has two common meanings: ore enrichment in mining and fortification of foods in nutrition.

In mining and mineral processing, dúsítás refers to ore beneficiation—the set of operations that increases the concentration of valuable minerals in ore while reducing gangue material. The goal is to produce a higher-grade product and a lower volume of waste. Typical steps include comminution (crushing and grinding) to particles of manageable size, size classification, and separation techniques such as gravity separation, magnetic separation, and froth flotation. The process may be followed by dewatering and concentration to produce a concentrate and tailings. Dúsítás is a crucial intermediate stage in the overall beneficiation of many metal ores, coal, and industrial minerals.

In nutrition and the food industry, dúsítás commonly means food fortification: the intentional addition of essential nutrients to foods to improve their nutritional value for a population. Examples include iodized salt, enriched cereal flours, fortified dairy products with vitamin D, and folic acid addition to bread or grains. Fortification is used to prevent nutrient deficiencies and support public health, and it is governed by regulatory standards, labeling requirements, and quality controls. It can be complemented by biofortification, where nutrient levels are increased through agricultural practices or plant breeding. Potential drawbacks include the risk of excessive intake and sensory changes in foods, which regulators monitor to balance safety and benefits.