Phytomining Flashcards

Flashcards about Phytomining

What is a high grade ore?

Rock containing a lot of valuable mineral or metal compound.

What does traditional mining involve?

Digging, moving and disposing of large amounts of rock, leaving behind polluted ground.

What is a low grade ore?

Rock with a low concentration of a valuable metal compound (mineral).

What is phytomining?

A process involving growing plants to extract minerals from low-grade ore.

What does 'phyto' mean?

Relating to plants.

What does 'mining' mean?

To dig or tunnel.

What are hyperaccumulators?

Plants that absorb minerals, especially from contaminated soil, and store them in their leaves.

What does 'hyper' mean?

Over, above, beyond.

What does 'accumulate' mean?

Gather or collect.

What happens when plants are burned in phytomining?

The impure metal compound is found concentrated in the ash.

How is the metal purified from the ash in phytomining?

React the ash with acid to produce a copper compound electrolyte for electrolysis, or use a displacement reaction with scrap iron.

What are the advantages of phytomining compared to traditional mining?

Extract valuable metals from low grade ores, requires less energy,produces less air pollution, and can clean contaminated soil.

What are the disadvantages of phytomining compared to traditional mining?

It is a slower process, and you need access to the correct plants and conditions.