EFFICIENT METHOD FOR COLLECTION OF PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENT FROM COPPER IRON SCRAP

摘要

Disclosed is a means for efficiently collecting a platinum group element by efficiently enriching the platinum group element in a molten copper phase produced from a copper iron scrap containing the platinum group element. Specifically disclosed is a method comprising: melting a copper iron scrap containing a platinum group element to produce a molten material; separating the molten material into two phases i.e. a molten copper phase containing at least one rare metal selected from the group consisting of Nd Pr and Dy and a molten iron phase having a carbon concentration of 1 mass% or more wherein carbon contained in the molten iron phase is derived from a carbon source contained in the molten material; isolating the two phases from each other and collecting the molten copper phase; and separating and collecting the platinum group element dissolved in the molten copper phase from the molten copper phase. The copper iron scrap may contain the rare metal. Alternatively a member containing the rare metal may be added to the molten material. It is preferred that the total concentration of the rare metal contained in the molten copper phase be 1 mass% or more.