Answer:
Recycling scrap copper is more sustainable than extracting copper from copper ores due to the following reasons:
Reduces energy consumption: Recycling scrap copper requires less energy compared to mining, extracting, and processing copper ores. This results in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a decrease in energy consumption.
Conservation of natural resources: Recycling scrap copper conserves natural resources because it reduces the need for mining copper ores. Mining copper ores often leads to the destruction of ecosystems, soil erosion, and the emission of harmful pollutants into the environment.
Reduction in landfill waste: Recycling scrap copper helps to reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Copper is a valuable resource, and recycling it ensures that it is reused instead of ending up in landfills.
Cost-effective: Recycling scrap copper is often cheaper than extracting copper from copper ores. This is because recycling eliminates the cost of mining, extracting, and processing copper ores.
Preservation of water resources: Extracting copper from copper ores requires large amounts of water, which can lead to water shortages in some regions. Recycling scrap copper requires less water, thus helping to preserve water resources.
Overall, recycling scrap copper is more sustainable than extracting copper from copper ores because it reduces energy consumption, conserves natural resources, reduces landfill waste, is cost-effective, and helps to preserve water resources.
Step-by-step explanation: