Enhanced domestic recovery of PGMs from Lundin Eagle Mine and Sibanye-Stillwater

CMI researchers from Colorado School of Mines conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation 
Extracting critical minerals from Eagle Mine Tailings and Sibanye Stillwater Metallurgical Complex Refractory Material with a high content of PGMs via Magnetic Separation and Flotation.

Achievement

  • Over 100 flotation trials were conducted to optimize open-cycle recovery, achieving maximum platinum and palladium recoveries of 90% and 89.5%, respectively. 
  • The use of non-conventional collectors significantly enhanced PGM recovery from refractory material at the Metallurgical Complex.

Significance and Impact
These efforts reduce AMD risks, improve tailings management, and enhance metal recovery—supporting continued nickel production and increasing the domestic availability of PGMs.

Hub Targets Addressed 
Improving efficiency of PGM production from domestic sources.
 

class container that pours into a glass beaker
Microflotation Cell Utilized in Experimental Testing.