An ore is a rock that contains metals or metal compounds. A low-grade ore contains a lower percentage of metal or metal compound than a high-grade ore.

Phytoextraction is a method of extracting metals by growing plants in soil containing low-grade ore.

Displacement is where a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound.

Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to break down a compound.

Bioleaching is a method of extracting metals by growing bacteria on low-grade ores to produce a leachate.

Alternative methods of extracting metals: phytoextraction and bioleaching

Combined science

In the Atmosphere and Changing Climate unit, pupils will build on their understanding of Earth's resources to learn about the evidence for the composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere and the impact of human activity on climate change.

In the Earth's Resources unit, pupils learned about the composition and structure of the Earth, and the rock cycle.

Using Earth's resources

What is the name of the method of extracting metals by growing bacteria on low-grade ores?

produces toxic substances that can cause environmental damage

reduces air pollutants released during traditional mining

can be used to extract metals from low-grade ores

Which of the following are advantages of bioleaching?

Grow plants in soil containing low-grade ore.

Burn plants to produce ash rich in metal compounds.

Dissolve the ash in acid to produce a leachate.

Bacteria break down the ore to produce a leachate.

Which of the following are part of the method for phytoextraction?

heating with a less reactive metal, such as gold

How can a metal such as copper be extracted from a leachate?

Which of the following are disadvantages of phytoextraction?

low-grade ores contain a lower percentage of copper than high-grade ores

low-grade ores contain a higher percentage of copper than high-grade ores

high-grade ores are becoming more difficult to find

the percentage of copper found in ores has been decreasing

the percentage of copper found in ores has been increasing

Which of the following statements about copper ores are correct?

a limited resource that is being used faster than it is being made

an infinite resource that will never run out

What is meant by the term 'finite resource'?

rocks such as limestone and sandstone, used in construction

the Sun, used as a renewable energy resource

Which of the following are examples of finite resources?

What scientific term is used to describe a reaction where a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound?

iron will displace copper in a copper compound

copper will displace iron in a copper compound

Why can iron be used to extract copper from a copper compound?

requires plant growth which is a slow process

bacteria used in the process produce toxic substances

Which of the following are disadvantages of traditional mining?

What is the name of the process that uses electricity to break down a compound?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Alternative methods of extracting metals: phytoextraction and bioleaching

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.