The process that involves the removal of sulphur from the ores is:

The removal of sulphur from sulphide ores is achieved by the process of roasting. In roasting, the sulphide ore is heated strongly in the presence of excess air (oxygen) below its melting point. During this process, the sulphide ore is converted to the corresponding metal oxide, and sulphur is released as sulphur dioxide ($$SO_2$$) gas.

For example, when zinc sulphide ore is roasted: $$2ZnS + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2ZnO + 2SO_2$$. Similarly, for copper: $$2Cu_2S + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2Cu_2O + 2SO_2$$.

Smelting involves melting the ore with a reducing agent, leaching is a chemical washing process to dissolve the ore, and refining is the purification of the crude metal. None of these specifically target sulphur removal.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option (2): Roasting.