Extra Using Resources

Question 1

How does bioleaching work

Answer 1

Bioleaching is where certain bacteria can break down low grade ores into acidic solutions containing copper ions. The solution is called a leachate.

Question 2

How does phytomining work

Answer 2

Phytomining works by taking advantage of way plants intake mineral ions. Plants are planted on low grade ores, and absorb the metal ions in the rock, concentrating their cells with these ions. The plants are then harvested and burned. The ash left behind contains metal compounds.

Question 3

What is used to process the copper compounds in the leachate?

Answer 3

Iron is used to displace the copper in a reaction between copper sulfate and iron, as it is more reactive.

Question 4

What’s the word equation for iron and copper sulfates reaction.

Answer 4

iron + copper sulfate → iron(II) sulfate + copper

Question 5

What is the balanced symbol equation for the reaction between iron and copper sulfate

Answer 5

Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) → FeSO4(aq) + Cu(s)

Question 6

What is an alternative to the iron displacement reaction

Answer 6

Dissolving copper compounds and electrolysis the solution to extract copper metal.

Question 7

What is good about phytoexyraction

Answer 7

• reduces the need to mine for new ores
• conserves the limited supply of high grade ores
• reduces the amount of waste rock that must be disposed of with traditional mining