How copper is extracted from low-grade copper ores?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

The process of recovery of copper from low-grade ore involves two steps:

1. Leaching i.e. use of acids or suitable reagents that dissolve ore but not the impurities.

2. This leached solution is reacted with scrap iron (cheap in cost) or hydrogen to give copper.

Thus, the end product of the above reactions is copper.