alternative methods of extracting metals

Question 1

what type of resource is copper?

Answer 1

finite

Question 2

what is meant by a low grade ore?

Answer 2

ores containing a small amount of the metal

Question 3

describe the process of phytomining?

Answer 3

plants are grown in soil that contains copper
plants can’t use or get rid of copper so it builds up in leaves
plants can then be harvested and burned
ash contains high concentration of copper compounds

Question 4

describe the process of bioleaching?

Answer 4

bacteria is mixed with low grade copper ore
bacteria carry out chemical reactions to produce a solution called leachate which has the copper we need

Question 5

how do we extract metal from metal compound at the end of bioleaching and phytomining?

Answer 5

with copper compounds, we can displace it using scrap iron
can also use electrolysis

Question 6

how are bioleaching and phytomining different to traditional methods of extracting metals?

Answer 6

more enviromentally friendly
theyre slower