Extraction of Platinum Group Metals

Abstract

About 80% of the worlds’ reserves for platinum group metals (PGMs) are in South Africa’s Bushveld Igneous Complex. Processing of PGM involves comminution, flotation, smelt ing, converting, base metals refinery and precious metals refinery. Due to increasing chrome content in the feed and the challenges associated with operating high chrome feed, alternative routes to smelting of PGM are being investigated. Some hydrometallurgi - cal routes have been proposed. However, none of the reported potential routes have yet been commercialised. less electricity consumption, less CO 2 emissions and no restriction on chrome content of feed. Other hydrometallurgical routes but commercialised