Electrolysis is used to extract metals that are higher than carbon in the reactivity series
Carbon is used to extract metals if they are lower than carbon in the reactivity series. Extracted using a reduction reaction.
Alternative methods of metal extraction:
Phytomining - growing plants in contaminated land absorb copper ions as they grow. plants are harvested and burnt, producing ash which has high concentrations of copper compounds.
disadvantage: takes a lot longer than classic methods
Alternative methods of metal extraction:
Bioleaching - bacteria added to low-grade ores. bacteria breaks down ores to create solution rich in copper compounds known as leachate solution. can easily extract copper from leachate solution
