Alternative methods of extracting metals

two methods of extracting copper from its ore

Bioleaching and phytomining

What is Phytomining ?

* it uses plants to absorb metal compounds
* the plants are harvested and then
* burned to produce ashes which contains metal compounds

What is bioleeching ?

It uses bacteria to produce leachate solutions that contain metal compounds.

What is the ordinary regular way of extracting metals

The metal compounds can be processed to obtain the metal. For example, copper can be obtained from solutions of copper compounds by displacement using scrap iron or by electrolysis