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The methods of treatment depend to a large extent on the economies of scale and the quantities of 'concentrate' envisaged. For larger scale operations, it frequently involves smelting; but for smaller scale quantities, it is not economic to treat these other than by integration into the circuits of existing refineries; such as Johnson Matthey’s in the U.S.A. and Europe.

The platinum group metal separation can then be achieved by a combination of distillation, precipitation and solvent extraction technologies.

For a simplified summary of the refinery options see:

F. L. Bernardis et al., 'A review of separation methods of the platinum-group metals through their chloro-complexes', Reactive & Functional Polymers, 65 (2005) 205-217.

Answer posted 18 December 2006