What Is Precious Metal Recovery or Refining?
Precious metals recovery or refining usually refers to the process of separating from noble-metalliferous materials like ores and metal alloys--as would be the case in mining operations, as well as from secondary materials such as spent catalysts, electronic assemblies, etc.
There are many companies that offer precious metal recovery services, including for metals like gold, silver, platinum, palladium and copper. These may work in the areas of mining and/or secondary materials.
How Do Precious Metal Recovery Companies Carry Out the Process of Metal Recovery?
How metal recovery is carried out would depend on the type of metals in question, and the form of the products to be recycled. The processes of Pyrolysis and/or Hydrolysis are generally used to isolate noble-metalliferous materials.
In the process of Pyrolysis, the noble-metalliferous materials are usually separated by solidifying them and then pouring them off.
In the case of Hydrolysis, the noble-metalliferous products are generally dissolved in a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid or in some other appropriate solution. Again, depending on the materials in question, the metals may then be precipitated or reduced.
After the necessary processes of separating the metals, they are put through processes of cleaning, which may or may not include re-crystalization.
Precious metals can usually be extracted from solids, liquids, sludge and powders.
What to Look for in a Precious Metals Recovery Company?
Today, recycling process is very sophisticated, and a company should be well-equipped with shredders, furnaces and machines to carry out the required chemical processes. The higher the quality of the services, the higher will be your asset recovery, so, it would be a good idea to check on a company's certifications and credentials.
If you require assaying of silver or any other precious metal, you should check that the company you outsource the process to has a fully-equipped assaying laboratory, with up-to-date assaying techniques.
Another factor to consider while choosing a company would be the methods of destruction of waste material and its environmental impact. There are recovery companies that claim zero negative discharge into the environment, and this is indeed possible.
The degree of plant security would also be relevant for the safety of your valuable commodities.
Perhaps the most important tip for choosing a company would be looking at the core business of the company. For e.g. if you are looking for silver refining services, then logically, a company that's also into silver bullion trade and exports should be a good bet.
