Refining & Grade Specs

Iridium Refining Methods and Grade Specifications

The transformation of Iridium concentrate into refined products suitable for industrial use requires specialized metallurgical and chemical processes. Iridium is refined into 4 primary commercial forms, each serving specific end-use sectors.

Refining Processes

The primary refining and processing pathways for Iridium include:

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

Product Forms and Grade Specifications

Refined Iridium is available in the following commercial forms, each with specific purity requirements:

Quality Standards and Benchmarks

International standards for Iridium products are established by organizations such as ASTM International and various national standards bodies. Pricing is referenced against Johnson Matthey/LPPM assessments. These standards define minimum purity levels, acceptable impurity limits, and testing methodologies that facilitate international trade.

Refining Capacity and Geography

Global refining capacity for Iridium is concentrated in a limited number of countries. South Africa controls approximately 85% of primary production and plays a significant role in downstream refining. Efforts to diversify refining capacity are a key priority for governments seeking to reduce supply chain dependencies, particularly in the spark plugs for aviation sector.