Finite metal ores

High grade ore

Ore containing a large amount of a desired metal

Low grade ore

Ore containing a small amount of a desired metal

Phyto mining

Grow plants on low grade ore, burn the plants. The ash contains metal compounds

Using plant ash

React the ash with acid to make a solution of metal ions

Bioleaching

Grow bacteria on low grade ores, the leachate will contain metal ions.

Leachate

A solution produced by bioleaching, which contains metal ions

Advantages of Phyto mining

Uses low grade ores, no damage to the landscape, can be used on contaminated soil

Disadvantages of Phyto mining

Slow process, weather dependent, expensive

Advantages of bioleaching

Uses low grade ores, no damage to landscape, works at a low temperature

Disadvantages of bioleaching

Slow process, can produce toxic chemicals

Purifying copper

A form of electrolysis where impure copper is the cathode and pure copper is the anode.

High grade copper ores

Being used up and running out.

Extracting copper from its solutions

Electrolysis, displacement with scrap iron