level: phytomining and bioleaching
Questions and Answers List
level questions: phytomining and bioleaching
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| where do we need to extract copper from if the ores are scarce | low grade ores |
| explain the process of phytomining | -plants are grown on the land containing the metal compound wanted -the plants absorb the metal compound and concentrate it in their tissue -the plants are harvested and burned -the ash contains a high concentration of the mental compound |
| explain the process of bioleaching | -bacteria is mixed with the low grade ore -the bacteria carries out chemical reactions and produces leachate -leachate contains the metal compound |
| how can copper be extracted from the copper compounds | -using the displacement of copper with scrap iron -electrolysis |
| why are these processes good | -economically extract metals from low grade ores as metals are limited -doesn't involve digging, transporting and deposing of large amounts of rock unlike traditional mining |