0
Bioleaching uses bacterial microorganisms to extract precious metals, such as gold, from ore in which it is embedded. As an alternative to smelting or roasting, miners use bioleaching when there are lower concentrations of metal in ore and they need an efficient, environmentally responsible method. The bacteria feeds on nutrients in minerals, thereby separating the metal that leaves the organism's system; then the metal can be collected in a solution.
Bioleaching works because of how special microorganisms act on mineral deposits. They are a catalyst to speed up natural processes inside ore. The bacteria uses a chemical reaction called oxidation to turn metal sulphide crystals into sulfates and pure metals. These constituent parts of ore are separated into valuable metal and leftover sulphur and other acidic chemicals. Eventually, enough material builds up in the waste solution to filter and concentrate it into metal.
For some types of metal, such as copper, bioleaching is not always economically feasible or fast enough, even with its low cost. However, in certain areas of the world or with other metals, this simple, effective, and low cost method offers a smart choice. For example, developing countries often do not have the infrastructure or capital investment to begin smelting, yet their land contains enough ore that its extraction can significantly improve their national economy. One day we may use bioleaching to mine other metals, such as zinc and nickel, on the Moon.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why is bioleaching and phytomining important?
They are cheaper alternatives to processes such as electrolysis and are better for the environment
What metals are extracted using phytomining?
nickel and thallium are extracted by phytomining. nickel was the first metal ever to be extracted by this process. boobs are cool
What organisms does phytonmining?
Plants are the organisms used for phytomining. If plants can absorbs the low concentrations of metals in soil, the metals can be concentrated in the biomass of the plants and then extracted from the plant material when harvested.
What is meant by - smelting?
Smelting is the process which ore goes through so that a metal can be extracted from it. It involves heating the rock to very high temperatures. Copper, for instance, can be extracted at temperatures of about 1200 °C.Actually, smelting is a process when a metal which is more reactive than copper needs to be extracted. For example, zinc is more reactive than copper so it has to be extracted smelting. It can be extracted by heating its ore with charcoal aka smelting.--different person
I have to make a storyboard of six to eight boxes explaining the processes of bioleaching. I am only in year nine so what is bioleaching in simple terms?
Shortly, bioleaching is a method of separation of metals from ores using living organisms; for the beginning read the text from the link below.
How do you extract copper from a low grade ore?
Through bioleaching, thermal decomposition, displacement, phytomining & electrolysis.
How is copper extracted from phytomining?
When a plant grows it can absorb metal compounds. So when the tree has grown the plant is burnt and the copper is extracted.
How is copper extracted by phytomining?
by getting a plant and using it to get the metal closer to the surface
Why is bioleaching and phytomining important?
They are cheaper alternatives to processes such as electrolysis and are better for the environment
What metals are extracted using phytomining?
nickel and thallium are extracted by phytomining. nickel was the first metal ever to be extracted by this process. boobs are cool
Can phytomining be used to extract copper?
Yes
What are the methods of extracting copper called?
The newest method is bioleaching.
What are the advantages of using bioleaching to extract copper?
It is environmentally friendly, provides jobs and is very economical.
What is bio-leaching?
Some bacteria absorb copper compounds. They then produce solutions called leachates, which contain copper compounds. This method of extraction is called bioleaching.
Why has phytomining been used to produce gold nickel and copper but is only rarely used to produce zinc and lead?
this question came up in the AQA chemistry text book and in some exam style questions. so the answer is: Phytomining is used to produce gold nickel and copper because they are found in low grade ores the main reason is that gold, nickel and copper are below carbon in the reactivity series which means they are found in native state. (sometimes copper can be found in low grade ores) but phytomining is used rarely to produce zinc and lead is because they are more reactive than gold nickel and copper. this is why phytomining been used to produce gold nickel and copper but is only rarely used to produce zinc and lead.
How does bioleaching work?
Bioleaching uses bacterial microorganisms to extract precious metals, such as gold, from ore in which it is embedded. Bioleaching works because of how special microorganisms act on mineral deposits. They are a catalyst to speed up natural processes inside ore.
How is copper extracted from earth?
copper is extrcted in diffrent country
