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Some disadvantages associated with bioleaching are:

  • not economical: the bacterial leaching process is very slow compared to smelting. This brings in less profit as well as introducing a significant delay in cash flow for new plants.
  • not environmental: Toxic chemicals are sometimes produced in the process. Sulfuric acid and H+ ions formed can leak into the ground and surface water turning it acidic, causing environmental damage. Heavy ions such as iron, zinc, and arsenic leak during acid mine drainage. When the pH of this solution rises, as a result of dilution by fresh water, these ions precipitate, forming "Yellow Boy" pollution. For these reasons, setup of bioleaching must be carefully planned, since the process can lead to biosafety failure.

Currently it is more economical to smelt copper ore rather than to use bioleaching, since the concentration of copper in its ore is generally quite high. The profit obtained from the speed and yield of smelting justifies its cost. However, the concentration of gold in its ore is generally very low. The cheaper cost of bacterial leaching in this case outweighs the time it takes to extract the metal.

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What are the advantages of using bioleaching to extract copper?

Bioleaching is a more environmentally friendly method of copper extraction compared to traditional smelting processes, as it reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It also has lower energy requirements and can be used to extract copper from low-grade ores that are not economically viable to process using conventional methods. Additionally, bioleaching is less harmful to the environment because it does not involve the use of toxic chemicals such as cyanide or sulfuric acid.


How do you extract copper using dilute acid?

If you want to extract copper using dilute acid you must use sulphuric dilute acid. Pour it into a container and add some copper oxide (it's powder, I'm not sure if that's it's name) then take another container and put some filter paper on it and pour the mixture into that. It should look blue. Then add some filings into it and they should turn pink.


Why is it economical to use scrap iron to get copper?

Well, honey, using scrap iron to get copper is economical because iron is cheaper than copper, so it's a cost-effective way to get your hands on some shiny copper without breaking the bank. Plus, recycling scrap iron is good for the environment, so you can feel like a frugal eco-warrior while you're at it. Just make sure you know what you're doing so you don't end up with a hot mess instead of a copper treasure.


How do you extract a metal using carbon?

To extract a metal using carbon, the metal ore is mixed with carbon and heated in a furnace. The carbon reacts with oxygen in the metal ore to form carbon dioxide gas, leaving behind the pure metal. This process is known as reduction and is commonly used to extract metals such as iron and copper.


What is the hydro metallurgy process of extracting copper ore?

Hydrometallurgy is a process that uses aqueous solutions to extract metals from ores. In the case of copper, the ore is typically crushed and then leached with sulfuric acid to dissolve the copper into solution. The copper is then extracted from the solution using techniques such as solvent extraction or electrowinning to obtain pure copper metal.

Related Questions

What are the advantages of using bioleaching to extract copper?

Bioleaching is a more environmentally friendly method of copper extraction compared to traditional smelting processes, as it reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It also has lower energy requirements and can be used to extract copper from low-grade ores that are not economically viable to process using conventional methods. Additionally, bioleaching is less harmful to the environment because it does not involve the use of toxic chemicals such as cyanide or sulfuric acid.


How do you extract copper from bideaching?

Copper can be extracted from bioleaching by using bacteria to oxidize the sulphide minerals in the ore, releasing copper ions. These ions can then be leached out using a dilute acid solution. The copper can be further concentrated and refined through processes such as solvent extraction and electroplating.


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.


What are the advantages of using bioleaching?

Bioleaching is a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional mining methods as it is a natural process that uses microorganisms to extract metals from ores. It can also be more cost-effective and efficient compared to traditional methods, and can be used to extract metals from low-grade ores that would be uneconomical to mine using other techniques. Additionally, bioleaching can often result in higher metal recovery rates than traditional methods.


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?

Bioleaching is a process where bacteria or fungi are used to extract metals from ores. These microorganisms break down the ore and release the desired metals. Bioleaching is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way of extracting metals.


Why is biolaeching used?

Bioleaching is used as a method to extract metals from ores using microorganisms. It is a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective process compared to traditional methods because it can be done at lower temperatures and pressures, uses less energy, and reduces the need for harsh chemicals. Additionally, bioleaching has the potential to extract metals from low-grade ores that are not economically feasible to process using conventional methods.


What is the difference between bioleaching and phytomining?

Bioleaching is a process where microorganisms are used to extract metals from ores, while phytomining involves using plants to accumulate metals from the soil. In bioleaching, microbes break down the ore to release metals, while in phytomining, plants absorb metals through their roots and then are harvested for metal extraction. Both methods are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional mining practices.


How copper is extracted by phytomining and bioleaching?

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.


The advantages and disadvantages of using Microsoft Excel Cube Function to extract data from a database?

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How can copper be extracted using scrap iron nothing it doesnt work that way?

Copper cannot be extracted using scrap iron because iron is less reactive than copper in the reactivity series. To extract copper from its ore, a process called electrolysis or smelting is usually used. During smelting, the copper ore is heated with carbon to remove oxygen and extract the copper metal.


What are the advantages of using bacteria to extract copper?

Bioleaching is the process of extracting copper using bacteria. Click on this hyperlink for more help. http://www.copper.org/publications/newsletters/innovations/2004/05/producing_copper_natures_way_bioleaching.html


How do you extract copper using dilute acid?

If you want to extract copper using dilute acid you must use sulphuric dilute acid. Pour it into a container and add some copper oxide (it's powder, I'm not sure if that's it's name) then take another container and put some filter paper on it and pour the mixture into that. It should look blue. Then add some filings into it and they should turn pink.