Biological Metal Extraction

Question 1

What is acid mine drainage?

Answer 1

the formation and movement of highly acidic water rich in heavy metals

Question 2

What is bioleaching?

Answer 2

When bacteria oxidise iron(II) and sulfide ions and use the energy transferred. Sulfuric acid forms in the presence of water and oxygen which breaks down copper sulfide ores which releases copper(II) ions and other metal ions.

Question 3

What are some advantages of bioleaching compared to traditional mining?

Answer 3

• cheaper
• allows metals to be extracted from low-grade ores
• bacteria occurs naturally and do not need special treatment
• does not release harmful sulfur dioxide to atmosphere

Question 4

What are low-grade ores?

Answer 4

Ores that contain too little metal for traditional methods of mining to be profitable