Using Resources - C10

Question 1

What is a non renewable resource?

Answer 1

A finite resource that will run out in the near future.

Question 2

What are examples of non renewable resources?

Answer 2

Natural Gas
Crude Oil
Nuclear fuel - uranium n plutonium
Minerals and metals

Question 3

What is sustainability?

Answer 3

Thinking and being conscious of the actions we take now whilst thinking about the future generations.

Question 4

What are some of the ways we can improve the sustainability of copper rich ores?

Answer 4

Bioleaching
Phytomining
As well as using low grade copper

Question 5

What is bioleaching?

Answer 5

Bacteria is used to convert copper compounds in the ore into soluble copper compounds separating the copper from the ore in the process. The leachate contains copper ions, which can be extracted via electrolysis.

Question 6

What is phytomining?

Answer 6

Growing and planting plants in soil that is rich in copper. They absorb it and this builds up in their leaves and they are harvested, dried and burned in a furnace. The ash contains the copper compounds which can be extracted via electrolysis.