alternative methods of extraction

Question 1

why can extracting resources be unsustainable?

Answer 1

because of the amount of energy used and waste produced

Question 2

why can processing resources be unsustainable?

Answer 2

often uses energy from finite resources

Question 3

why is copper a finite resource?

Answer 3

the supply of copper-rich ores is limited

Question 4

how can the sustainability of copper be improved?

Answer 4

by extracting it from low-grade ores with little copper in

Question 5

what do phytomining and bioleaching avoid?

Answer 5

traditional mining methods of digging, moving and disposing of large amounts of rock

Question 6

describe bioleaching

Answer 6

-bacteria are used to convert copper compounds in the ore into soluble copper compounds, separating out the copper from the ore in the process
-the leachate contains copper ions which can be extracted by electrolysis or displacement using scrap iron e.g

Question 7

describe phytomining

Answer 7

-involves growing plants in soil that contains copper
-plants can’t use or get rid of copper so it gradually builds up in the leaves as they absorb it
-the plants can be harvested, dried and burned in a furnace
-the ash contains soluble copper compounds from which copper can be extracted by electrolysis or displacement using scrap iron e.g