The state of platinum-group elements in ore-forming systems: a report on recent evidence for nanoparticle involvement

摘要

Processing of platinum-group element (PGE) ores is based on the assumption that the primary association of these elements is chalcophile, i.e. a strong tendency to associate with sulphide. Experimental work has not confirmed this, and led the authors to speculate that a more primary association might be involved, i.e. that the formation of PGE minerals are preceded by nano-entities. This paper reports on an experiment which proved that nano-asociation of Pt and As do occur at magmatic temperatures long before sperrylite can stabilize. The results could have profound influence on the design of future PGE beneficiation plants.