CMI researchers at Colorado School of Mines conducted the research for this highlight
Innovation
Processing routes for Sibanye-Stillwater and the Lundin Eagle Mine have been reviewed. In addition to PGMs, nickel and copper are recovered from ore minerals dominated by pentlandite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite.
Achievement
As of 2024, U.S. mine output was about 8,000 kg of palladium (4% of global) and 2,000 kg of platinum (1.2% of global). Net import reliance remained high at 36% for palladium and 85% for platinum.
Significance and Impact
- Case studies examine current operations at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Stillwater–East Boulder (MT) and by-product recovery associated with the Eagle Mine (MI), along with an outlook that includes Twin Metals Minnesota, NewRange Copper Nickel, and the Tamarack (Talon Metals) project.
- U.S. recyclers recovered roughly 45,000 kg (37.5% global) palladium and 8,500 kg (7% global) platinum from automobile catalytic converters.
Hub Target Addressed
Improving efficiency of PGM production from domestic sources.
