Platinum Group Minerals
Platinum group minerals (PGMs), which are typically associated with mafic and ultramafic complexes, are important for their economic potential. They are divided into two principal categories based on their chemical composition: native platinum and its alloys, which typically make up one category, and the other, which includes other PGMs such as palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, ruthenium, and chromite.
Due to its high density and abundance, platinum is the most important of the group and is used in a wide variety of products and applications, ranging from jewelry and coins to automotive parts, electronics, and medical devices. In addition, PGMs have been found to have applicability in catalytic converters, fuel cells, and other emerging technologies—which could increase their significance in the future.
Despite the potential importance of a region’s reserves of PGMs to its economy and growth, the exploration and mining processes that are required to develop a region’s PGM potential are complex and expensive. Such processes involve a wide array of exploration techniques, including geophysical surveys, core-drilling, logging, 3-D modelling, and laboratory analysis of the acquired samples.
The steps involved in the mining of PGMs can be divided into two basic categories: surface mining and underground mining. Surface mining is generally more economical and involves the excavation of ore directly from an open-pit mine. This type of mining requires relatively simple equipment, such as bulldozers and draglines, and is used to access both shallow and deeper deposits.
On the other hand, underground mining requires more complex equipment, such as trucks, hoists, and continuous miners, and involves the excavation of ore from underground tunnels. Generally speaking, underground mining is more expensive than surface mining, but it also allows access to ore reserves otherwise inaccessible due to topography or other natural obstacles.
Once the ore is extracted, it is then processed in a mill or smelter to extract the PGMs. This process can involve crushing, grinding, and flotation to separate the PGMs from the ore. The process can also involve chemical leaching, which is used to extract PGMs from low-grade ore.
The recovery and processing of PGMs is also very energy-intensive, often requiring large amounts of electricity or other forms of energy. In addition, PGMs are usually present in concentrations that are too low to be efficiently mined, so the ore must often be enriched through a further process involving chemical technologies.
Despite the complexity and cost involved in the exploration and mining of PGMs, it is generally worth the effort if a region can unlock the economic potential of its deposits. PGMs are among the most valuable commodities in the world, and their extraction from mining operations can generate significant benefits for governments, businesses, and communities in the form of taxes, royalties, and job creation.
In conclusion, PGMs are an important source of both economic value and technological innovation for many countries. While their extraction requires complex exploration and mining processes and large investments of energy and capital, PGMs offer the potential for long-term sustainability, job creation, and economic stability.
