Extracting copper from its ore

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Extracting copper from its ore

                   “Low-grade” ore is carefully poured on specially treated impermeable ground for ease, all in affect to later drain away the copper ion solution. Afterwards, the bacteria can then be sprayed, requiring acidic conditions involving a supply of Fe2+/S2- ions, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorous containing nutrients. Furthermore, thiobacillius ferro-oxidans and thiobacillius thio-oxidans obtain the energy to survive/live by oxidising Fe2+/S2- ions; as a result they release the required metal ions into solution.[1]

                   The copper ion solution can then be drained, allowing the copper ions to be removed using the aid of another solvent in a ligand exchange reaction. The term “ligand” refers to a specific compound with a lone pair of electrons that binds with the metal compounds to form a complex.[2]

The ligand can be dissolved in an organic solvent such as kerosene, which is immiscible in water:

Cu2+ (aq) + 2LH (organic)                                 CuL2 (organic) + 2H+ (aq)

Note: the “L” represents the ligand.

                   The copper can be removed from a low concentration in water to a high concentration in the organic solvent. By applying concentrated acid to the organic solvent, the process can be reversed; the Cu2+ ions return into the aqueous solution, thus increasing the concentration of the Cu2+ ions.

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                   Passing an electric current through the copper ion solution enables the copper to be extracted in sheets; pure copper can be collected on the negative electrodes.

Extracting gold from its ore

                   Firstly, the gold is crushed and grinded to reduce the large particles to finer grains. Secondly, a cyanide solution is then mixed with the grains. The solution is then mixed with water, where air is circulated through; this engages the lighter particles to float to the top of the solution, ...

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