Using the Earth’s Resources B Flashcards
What are phytomining and bioleaching?
Methods of extracting copper from low grade ores.
What are low grade copper ores?
Ores with only a small amount of copper
What is the first step of phytomining?
Grow plants near metal ore.
What is the second step of phytomining?
Harvest and burn the plants.
What is the last step of phytomining?
The ash contains the metal compound -> ash processed by electrolysis or displacement with scrap metal.
What is the first step of bioleaching?
Grow bacteria near metal ore.
What is the second step of bioleaching?
Bacteria produce leachate solutions that contain the metal compound -> process leachate by electrolysis or by displacement with scrap metal
Why are phytomining and bioleaching useful?
They avoid the digging and disposing of large amounts of rock in traditional mining techniques.
What is an LCA?
Life Cycle Assessment - a way of looking at the whole life of a product, assessing its impact on the environment/sustainability
What are the 4 stages of an LCA?
- Extracting and processing raw materials
- Manufacturing and packaging
- Use and operation during its lifetime
- Disposal at the end of its useful life (including transport)
How can we reduce the amount of new materials manufactured?
Reduce, reuse, recycle
In what ways can materials that are not recycled be disposed?
Landfill, incineration
