Characterization of Platinum Group Minerals
The platinum-group metals (PGM) consists of six elements – platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium and osmium. Chemical inertness, oxidation-resistance, biocompatibility, high melting temperature, good conductivity and electronic and catalytic properties are unique properties that make PGM irreplaceable starting material in many specific applications. The deposits in the Norilsk-Talnakh region of Northern Russia are the largest nickel-copper-palladium deposits in the world and, the intensive mining activity in this region, positions Russia as the world’s second global PGM supplier. In addition to PGM output, a by-product of this mining is nickel and copper extraction. In this application example the effectiveness of the separation process (gravity separation and hydro-separation) by comparison of PGM mineral content, both in concentrate and in tailings, is studied.
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