The non-metal used to remove oxygen from ores is carbon (in the form of coke).

Here's why:

* Carbon has a strong affinity for oxygen. This means carbon readily reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2).

* In the process of smelting, coke is added to the ore. The heat of the furnace causes the carbon to react with the oxygen in the ore, forming carbon dioxide and leaving behind the pure metal.

For example:

In the extraction of iron from iron oxide (Fe2O3), the following reaction takes place:

2Fe2O3 + 3C → 4Fe + 3CO2

Here, carbon (C) reacts with iron oxide (Fe2O3) to produce iron (Fe) and carbon dioxide (CO2).