Copper Mining and Extraction

Scientific Concepts and Processes

• Chemical reactions are used to extract and recover copper from ore.
• Chemicals such as copper and its compounds react in characteristic ways to form new substances with different properties.
• Natural resources, such as copper, are used to maintain and improve quality of life.
• The by-products of ore processing can become potentially toxic wastes.
• Decisions involving resource use should be made with an understanding of the trade-offs involved.

Copper and other raw materials contribute to our technological lifestyle, but the byproducts of extracting copper from ore are potential toxic wastes. In this activity, students explore the properties of copper and copper ore. They conduct two reactions used to extract and recover copper from the ore. This process introduces single and double replacement reactions. Students also consider the wastes produced by the extraction process.

Kit Contents:

• 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
• 32 Student Worksheets and Guides
• 1 Piece of Malachite
• 1 Container of Crushed Malachite Ore
• 1 White Scoop
• 8 Bottles
• 1 1M Sulfuric Acid
• 8 3.24oz Cups
• 16 AB Trays
• 16 Filter Funnels
• 8 Coarse Filter Paper Circles
• 16 Fine Filter Paper Circles
• 16 30mL Graduated Cups
• 24 Stir Sticks
• 1 Container of Iron Powder
• 16 Droppers