10.1.13

Alternative Extraction Methods

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Alternative Methods of Extracting Copper

Phytomining is a technique that allows us to extract copper from contaminated land. A technique called bioleaching has improved our ability to extract copper from low-grade ores.

Phytomining

Phytomining

  1. Plants growing on contaminated land absorb copper ions as they grow.
  2. These plants are harvested and burned, producing ash that contains high concentrations of copper compounds.
    • A disadvantage of phytomining is that the process takes a lot longer than the classic methods.
Bioleaching

Bioleaching

  1. Bacteria are added in with low-grade ores.
  2. The bacteria break down the ores to create a solution rich in copper compounds known as a leachate solution. We can easily extract copper from leachate solution.
    • Similarly to phytomining, bioleaching is a much slower process than traditional mining.
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