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How is copper extracted from low-grade copper ores?

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Copper is extracted from low grade ores by the process of hydrometallurgy. Acid or bacteria is used in its leaching process. In the process, ore is treated with a suitable regent that dissolves ore but not the impurities. Scrap iron, zinc or H_{2} is used to treat the solution containing copper ions (Cu^{+2}) and the reactions are as:

Cu^{2+} (aq)+H_{2} (g) \rightarrow Cu(s)+2H^{+} (aq)

Cu^{2+} (aq)+Fe (s) \rightarrow Cu(s)+Fe^{2+} (aq)

In this way, copper, is obtained.

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