What Do Precious Metal Refining Companies Do?

How to ScrapRecycling and RefiningSmelting and Refining
Written By Barry Lenson

Precious metal refining companies specialize in the extraction and purification of precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, from raw materials such as ore, electronic waste, and scrap metal.

In general, the refining process involves several stages, beginning with sampling and analysis. In this preliminary step, the raw materials are tested and analyzed to determine their composition and the quantity of precious metals present.

Next, the Scrap Is Processed

Depending on the composition of the scrap, one of the following processes may be used to separate the precious metal(s) that are present:

  • Crushing and grinding. The raw materials may be crushed and ground to create a fine powder.

  • Chemical processing. The material or scrap may be treated with chemicals to dissolve the precious metals, leaving behind any impurities.

  • Precipitation. Dissolved precious metals may be precipitated out of the solution using a chemical reaction.

  • Smelting. The metal-bearing scrap may be heated to a high temperature to melt the metals and separate them from other metals or impurities.

  • Further refining. The metals may be further purified through a series of chemical and electrolytic processes to remove any remaining impurities.

  • Casting. As a final step, the purified metals may then be cast into bars or other forms to make them easier to handle, weigh and analyze.

Precious metal refining companies typically work with large volumes of raw materials and require specialized equipment and expertise to extract and refine the metals efficiently and effectively. The purified metals are then sold to manufacturers, jewelers, and investors, who use them for a variety of purposes.

Want to Learn More? Call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at 800-426-2344

Our highly experienced precious metal refiners can answer all your questions about profiting from precious metal scrap! Why not call us at 800-426-2344? 

Barry Lenson
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