Exploitation Of Low Grade Ore Deposits

Question 1

What is Bioleaching?

Answer 1

Acidophilic bacteria oxidise sulphide ores to produce sulphuric acid that dissolve metals

Aspergillis fungi on scrap electric components to make acids that dissolve nickel,copper,lead,tin

Question 2

Phytomining

Answer 2

Plants absorb metal ions from water/soil and concentrates to leaves

Once absorbed, vegetation is incinerated

Converted metal dissolved then separated via electrolysis

Question 3

Iron displacement

Answer 3

Iron more reactive than copper
—> replaces copper ions in solutions

Question 4

Leachate collection

Answer 4

Rainwater percolating through soil heaps helps dissolve soluble ions
—> can be collected from soil heaps
and used to extract through
electrolysis

Question 5

Polymer absorption

Answer 5

Metal ions dissolved in seawater will dissolve onto surface of polymers for later collection