Why is phytomining considered a more sustainable method of metal extraction compared to traditional mining?

Phytomining is considered more sustainable because it reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional mining, such as habitat destruction and pollution. It also allows for the extraction of metals from low-grade ores, which would otherwise be uneconomical to mine using conventional methods.

A strong answer should directly address the approved learning objective to describe phytomining as using plants to absorb metal compounds from soil. (HT only). This question belongs to Alternative methods of extracting metals within Using the Earth's resources and obtaining potable water, so the response should use that exact curriculum context rather than a generic statement. The answer is correct when it names the key idea, explains the link to HT only, and keeps the wording specific to AQA GCSE revision.