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Are platinum group metals now produced from newly mined rock (not platinum ore) in Arizona?

April 26, 2017Arizona Department group metals mined newly ore Platinum produced rock

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Are platinum group metals now produced from newly mined rock (not platinum ore) in Arizona?

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The answer is, “Yes.” Platinum group elements are recovered from anode slimes produced during the refining of copper. Emphasis must be placed on the term “refining” of copper. Slimes are not produced at the smelter stage of copper production. In addition, the process must be electrolytic and not fire refining. As an example, one ton of anode slimes is recovered from 178,200 tons of ore at the electrolytic refinery of Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company at Inspiration, Arizona.