# Phytomining and bacterial extraction are two methods used to obtain copper from low-grade ores. Explain how bacterial extraction is used to obtain copper from a low-grade ore, and suggest why mining companies might prefer bacterial extraction over traditional mining for low-grade ores.

> OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248) — C6.1 Improving processes and products · Explain · 4 marks

> Copper is a widely used metal, but high-grade copper ores are becoming increasingly scarce. Mining companies must now process low-grade ores that contain very small amounts of copper. Two biological methods have been developed to extract copper from these low-grade ores.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Bacteria break down / decompose the low-grade ore
2. An acidic solution containing copper ions is produced
3. Copper can then be obtained / displaced from the solution (e.g. by adding a more reactive metal / scrap iron)
4. Bacterial extraction is preferable for low-grade ores because traditional mining of low-grade ores is not economically viable / is too expensive / causes too much environmental damage for a small yield of copper

## Key terms

- [bacterial extraction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/bacterial-extraction)
- [low-grade ore](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/low-grade-ore)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/phytomining-and-bacterial-extraction-are-two-c5b28ff1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.