Recovery of dissolved platinum group metals from copper sulphate leach solutions by precipitation

摘要: Abstract The pregnant leach solution produced in the final leaching stage of base metal refineries (BMRs) operated by platinum producers contains impurities such as selenium and tellurium well other precious metals (OPMs, which include Rh, Ru Ir). aim this project was to propose operating conditions for a thio-urea precipitation process that would allow maximum OPM recovery impurity from with minimal copper nickel co-precipitation. Experimental results illustrating effects temperature (80 °C 160 °C), pressure (atmospheric seven bar), stirring rate (250 rpm 500 rpm) quantity (200% 320% excess) have on behaviour are presented. Virtually all Rh contained precipitated irrespective values variables studied. percentage Ir achieved were 87% 60%, respectively. Complete Se observed at conditions, while Te increased increased. Increasing reagent did, however, also result Regression models used perform numerical analyses determine suitable conditions. Predictions approach suggested 200% excess 80 °C 7 bar yield 98% 75% Ru, 48% less than 5% Cu Ni co-precipitation; these could be experimentally validated.