# Explain why it is important to recycle metals such as aluminium rather than extracting them from their ores.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — C10 Using resources · Explain · 4 marks

> Aluminium is one of the most widely recycled metals in the world. Recycling aluminium uses only about 5% of the energy needed to extract the same amount of aluminium from its ore, bauxite.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Extracting metals from ores uses large amounts of energy / recycling saves energy
2. Mining and extraction uses up limited / finite / non-renewable ore reserves
3. Recycling reduces the environmental damage caused by mining / quarrying
4. Recycling reduces carbon dioxide emissions / reduces greenhouse gas emissions linked to the energy-intensive extraction process

## Key terms

- [ore](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ore)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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