Nowadays, platinum is processed along a linear pathway. Platinum is acquired from mining, mostly in South Africa (Pretoria) Russia and Zimbabwe where it is found in relatively high concentrations: around 5ppm[1]. These absolute concentrations are rather lower than most metals', so platinum in often a by-product of another mined resource such as nickel or coal.
In fact, its extraction is accomplished by leaching the ore with chemicals (Clhorhydric acid, Aqua regia). This leaching can be supplemented with bioleaching.
The process we’ve designed allows the shaping of a circularized economy. Instead of being wasted in the environment, platinum can re-enter the economy.