Mining & Processing

How Iridium Is Mined and Processed

Iridium (Ir) is a platinum group metal with global annual production of approximately 7.5 tonnes, primarily from South Africa and Zimbabwe. Typical ore grades range from Byproduct - ~0.06 g/t in PGM ores.

Mining Methods

Iridium is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Byproduct of platinum/palladium mining
• Recovery from recycled autocatalysts

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Iridium include:

• Merensky Reef
• UG2 Chromitite
• Platreef - all in Bushveld Complex

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Iridium ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Base metal refining of PGM concentrate
2. Selective precipitation
3. Solvent extraction

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Iridium must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in South Africa where 85% of global production is concentrated.