Most copper is mined or extracted as copper sulfides from large open pit mines in porphyry copper deposits that contain 0.4 to 1.0% copper. Examples include Chuquicamata in Chile, Bingham Canyon Mine in Utah, United States and El Chino Mine in New Mexico, United States. According to the British Geological Survey, in 2005, Chile was the top mine producer of copper with at least one-third world share followed by the United States, Indonesia and Peru. Copper can also be recovered through the in-situ leach process. Several sites in the state of Arizona are considered prime candidates for this method. The amount of copper in use is increasing and the quantity available is barely sufficient to allow all countries to reach developed world levels of usage. COUNT 5
QSN1 In what form is copper extracted? ANS1 copper sulfides QSN2 From what types of mines is copper extracted? ANS2 open pit mines QSN3 What percentage of copper do the deposits have that are extracted? ANS3 0.4 to 1.0% copper QSN4 What country was the top producer of copper in 2005? ANS4 Chile QSN5 What is the name of the process being considered in Arizona that allows copper to be recovered? ANS5 in-situ leach process