Mining & Processing

How Platinum Is Mined and Processed

Platinum (Pt) is a platinum group metal with global annual production of approximately 190 tonnes, primarily from South Africa and Russia. Typical ore grades range from 3-8 g/t PGM.

Mining Methods

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

• Underground mining (narrow reef stoping)
• Open-pit mining (Platreef)
• Mechanized mining

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Platinum include:

• Merensky Reef
• UG2 Chromitite
• Platreef

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Platinum ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Flotation and smelting
2. Base metal refinery
3. Precious metal refinery
4. Selective precipitation

Major Mines and Production Centers

The following are key Platinum mining and processing operations worldwide:

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Platinum 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 72% of global production is concentrated.