Alternative Methods of Extracting Metals

• Why is copper considered a vital metal?

  It is used in electronic equipment
• What does the term 'economical' mean in the context of metal extraction?

  Cost-effective
• What is the problem with copper ores currently?

  Copper ores are becoming scarce
• How do low-grade ores differ from high-grade ores?

  Low-grade ores contain less metal
• What is phyto mining?

  Growing plants to absorb metal compounds
• What happens to plants in phyto mining after they absorb metal compounds?

  They are harvested and burned
• What is bio leaching?

  Using bacteria to extract metals from ores
• What does leachate contain?

  A metal compound we want
• How can copper be extracted from its compounds?

  Using iron or electrolysis
• What are the advantages of phyto mining and bio leaching over traditional mining?

  They do not require large rock disposal
• What is the significance of learning about phyto mining and bio leaching?

  They allow economical extraction from low-grade ores