How is platinum extracted from its ore?

Answer 1

Platinum is rarely found on its own, but in combination with other base and precious metals. Extraction of the pure metal from ores is a complex process, and includes milling the ore, a froth floatation process, and smelting at high temperatures. This removes base metals, notably iron and sulfur, and concentrates PGM- platinum group metals- gold, platinum and palladium. The PGM matte is further processed by electrolysis to remove nickel, copper and cobalt. The high grade concentrate is treated by solvent extraction, distilling, and ion exchange treatment to separate the PGMs into its separate metals.