Nickel sulphide fire assay ? ICPMS method for the determination of platinum group elements: a detailed study on the recovery and losses at different stages

Abstract

Detailed studies for evaluating the optimum nickel sulphide button size in the estimation of platinum group elements (PGE) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) were carried out. PGE losses in various stages of the process have been studied. The results indicate that among the three button sizes investigated, i.e., 2.5, 5 and 8 g, the 2.5 g button was found to be adequate for the full recovery of the PGE. Losses of PGE in the fusion slag and in the pulp at the second filtration stage have been found to be negligible. Tellurium coprecipitation was found to minimize the losses during the dissolution of the nickel sulphide button.