Copper-rich Ores

Copper-rich Ores

1. They are limited - so it's important to recycle as much copper as possible

2. Demand for copper is growing - this could lead to shortages

   • Scientists are looking for new ways of extracting copper from low grade ores or waster produced when copper is extracted.

3. Bioleaching

   • This uses bacteria to separate copper from copper sulfide
   • The bacteria get energy from the bond between copper and suffer, separating the copper ore in the process
   • Leachate is produced by this process which contains copper and can be extracted by filtering

4. Phytomining

   • This involves growing plants in soil that contain copper
   • The plants can't use or get rid of the copper so it gradually builds up in the leaves
   • The plants can be harvested, dried and burned in a furnace
   • The copper is collected from the ash left in the furnace

5. Impacts of Extracting Metals

   • Mining for metal ores is good because it means useful products are made. It provides people with jobs and brings in money to areas. This means other services like transport and health can be improved.
   • It's bad for the environment due to nose and visual pollution. It destroys habitats. Mining can be dangerous.

6. Recycling Metals

   • 1) Mining and extracting metals takes lots of energy which comes from burning fossil fuels
   • 2) Fossil Fuels are running out so it's important to conserve them
   • 3) Recycling metals only use a small fraction on energy needed to mine and extract a new metal
   • 4) Recycling saves money
   • 5) Recycling conserves these resources
   • 6) Recycling cuts down on the landfill