Alternative Methods Of Extracting Metals

Question 1

How can copper be extracted ?

Answer 1

Biological methods
Advantage: it extracts copper form low grade ores

Question 2

What are the two different methods of extracting copper from low grade ores ?

Answer 2

Biolleaching
Phytomining

Question 3

How can copper be obtained from solutions of copper compounds ?

Answer 3

Displacement using scrap iron ( iron is more reactive than copper) scrap iron is used due to it being cheap
Or
Electorysis

Question 4

What are low grade ores ?

Answer 4

Basically ores that contain a small amount of copper
Therefore harder to extract the copper economically

Question 5

What is Phytomining? Organism used and the process ?

Answer 5

Organism: plants
Plants absorb metal compounds, the plants are harvested and then burnt to produce ash that contains metal compounds
Ash it then dissolved in acid to produce a solution of copper compound

Question 6

What happens in bioleaching? Type of organism and the process

Answer 6

Organism: bacteria

Process: bacteria mixed with low grade ores. Bacteria carry out chemical reactions and produce a leachate solutions that contain metal compounds

Question 7

What are some key points on both Phytomining and Bioleaching ?

Answer 7

1. Allows use to economically extract metals from low grade ores
2. Do not involve digging, transporting and disposing of large amounts of rock unlike traditional mining