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General Principles And Processes Of Isolation Of Elements

Question
CBSEENCH12009962

How is leaching carried out in case of low grade copper ores?

Solution
The low grade ores are leached with a dilute solution of sulphuric acid. The metallic copper is recovered from the solution of copper (II) sulphate formed by electrolysis or by displacement with iron.

CuO(s) + H2SO4(aq)      CuSO4(aq) + H2OCuCO3. Cu(OH)2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq)    2CuSO4(aq) + 3H2O + CO2(g)CuSO4(aq) + Fe(s)   FeSO4(aq) +2Cu(s)