Oxidized Ores as Future Resource for Platinum Group Metals: Current State of Research

The platinum group elements (PGE), which are used in many high technology applications, are classified as critical metals by the EU. Therefore, research has to focus on potential alternative resources. Oxidized ores are found in the weathered zones of common sulfidic deposits, such as the Bushveld and the Great Dyke, and could be considered as potential future resources. The grades and reserves are high. However, due to geochemical and mineralogical changes induced by weathering, extraction of PGE is still limited and uneconomic. The current state of research on oxidized PGE ores in geosciences and processing is summarized.