Alternative methods of extracting metals

• Why are most metals found in the Earth's crust already reacted with other elements?


  Because they typically combine with elements like oxygen
• In what type of equipment is copper commonly used?


  Electronic equipment such as phones
• What is the term for the amount of metal in an ore that makes it economical to extract?

  Metal ore
• What does the term 'low-grade ores' refer to?


  Ores that contain only a small amount of copper
• How do plants contribute to phyto mining?


  They absorb metal compounds and concentrate them in their tissue
• What happens to the plants after they are harvested in phyto mining?


  They are burned, and the ash contains a high concentration of the metal compound
• What is the second method of extracting metals mentioned in the material?

  Bio leaching
• How do bacteria contribute to bio leaching?


  Bacteria carry out chemical reactions to produce a solution called leachate
• What does leachate contain?


  A metal compound that we want
• What is the next step after extracting the metal compound from low-grade ore?


  Extract the metal from the compound
• How can copper be extracted from copper compounds?


  By displacing copper using iron
• Why is scrap iron used in the extraction of copper?


  Because it is cheap
• What is another method to extract copper besides using iron?

  Electrolysis
• What are the key points about phyto mining and bio leaching?


  • Both methods allow economical extraction from low-grade ores
  • They do not involve digging, transporting, and disposing of large amounts of rock
• What is the significance of the worldwide demand for metals?


  It drives the need for efficient extraction methods
• How do phyto mining and bio leaching differ from traditional mining methods?


  They are less invasive and do not require large-scale excavation
• Leachate


  A liquid that forms when a chemical reacts with a solid to extract its soluble components.