Finite and Renewable Resources

Where do we obtain rubber from naturally? And how has this changed?

sap of a tree

man-made polymers replacement for tyres

Advantages of mining

• useful products

• jobs

Disadvantages of mining

• visual pollution

• noise pollution

• habitat destruction

What is a way of extracting Copper sustainably?

low-grade ores

Phytomining

1. grow plants in soil containing copper

2. plants will absorb copper ions and this will build up in their leaves as they grow

3. plants are harvested, dried and burned in a furnace

4. the ash contains soluble copper compounds which are extracted by electrolysis or displacement with scrap iron

Bioleaching

1. Break down ore to form a solution called a leachate which contains copper ions

2. These are extracted by electrolysis or displacement with a more reactive metal

Advantages Bioleaching & Phytomining

• no environmental damage

Disadvantages Bioleaching & Phytomining

• very slow

• electrolysis requires energy

Things to consider in a LCA

1. Raw materials and extraction

2. Manufacturing and Packaging

3. Usage and transport

4. Disposal

Disadvantages of LCA

• cannot place values on perceptive effects

• can be biased

• can be selective to give a company positive advertising