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Abstract

Converting process with slag separation and recycle to the converter. The process includes introducing converter feed into the pot holding a molten alloy pool, oxygen injection into the pool, tapping the slag, and tapping the PGM-enriched alloy. The collector alloy contains no less than 0.5 wt % PGM, 40 wt % iron, and 0.5 wt % nickel, and no more than 3 wt % sulfur and 3 wt % copper, and the recovered slag is separated into recycle and non-recycle portions. The recycle slag portion preferably contains more PGM than the non-recycle portion. The process can also include low- or no-flux converting; using a refractory protectant in the converter; magnetic separation of slag; partial pre-oxidation of the converter feed; smelting catalyst material in a primary furnace to produce the collector alloy; and/or smelting the converter slag in a secondary furnace with slag from the primary furnace.

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First Claim