Alternative Methods Of Extracting Metals

Question 1

What is high grade ore?

Answer 1

High % of metal e.g copper

Question 2

What are pros and cons of low grade ore?

Answer 2

More plentiful
Less than 1% copper

Question 3

What is phytomining?

Answer 3

Plants grown on low grade ores, plants absorb the mineral copper, they are then harvested and burnt leaving behind copper compounds which reacts with sulfuric acid creating copper sulfate=electrolysis or displacement

Question 4

What is another benefit of phytomining?

Answer 4

Decontaminated land from harmful metal compounds

Question 5

What is the process of bioleaching?

Answer 5

Bacteria used to break down the metal compounds in the soil

This produces solution of metal salts called “leachate”

Turned in pure metal by electrolysis or displacement

Question 6

What are pros and cons of reduction of high grade ores by heating with carbon?

Answer 6

Higher percentage of copper (more copper per gram)

Damages environment (pollution/mining)
Uses a lot of energy

Question 7

What are pros and cons of phytomining and bioleaching?

Answer 7

Pros=mining not required, less waste rock, less energy needed

Cons=very slow can take years, copper compounds still have to be purified