What is copper phytomining?
The world is running out of rich copper ores. Research is being carried out to find new ways to extract copper from the remaining low-grade ores, without harming the environment too much. This research is very important, as traditional mining involves huge open-cast mines that produce a lot of waste rock.Some plants absorb copper through their roots. As a result of this they concentrate these compounds as a result of this. The plants can be burned to produce an ash that contains the copper compounds. This process is known as photomining.