using resources - alternative ways of extracting metals

Question 1

where are most of the earths metals found

Answer 1

in the crust

Question 2

what is a really important meal currently and why

Answer 2

copper - used in electrical components

Question 3

how can we extract metals form earths core

Answer 3

by mining

Question 4

what must the ore contain to make it economical to extract

Answer 4

enough metal

Question 5

what is a big problem

Answer 5

they are becoming scarce as we have mined them too much

Question 6

what will this mean

Answer 6

we will have to extract metal form low grade ores which have little metal in

Question 7

what is phytomining

Answer 7

plants are grown on land containing the metal compound we want, these plants then absorb this compound and concentrate it in their tissue
the plants are then harvested and burned - the ash contains high amounts of the desired compound

Question 8

what is bioleaching

Answer 8

bacteria are mixed with a low grade ore, they produce a leachate which contain the compound we want

Question 9

how can we extract the metal

Answer 9

• displacement
• electrolysis

Question 10

what do both of these allow us to do

Answer 10

economically extract metals form low grade ores, they do not require lots of disruption