REFINED PLATINUM. PRODUCTION FROM DOMESTIC SOURCES.
The
production of refined platinum from crude metal derived from . placers
is calculated on the basis of a content of fine metal of 70 per cent,
and, thus computed, 273 fine ounces is found to have been the domestic
output from placers in 1910.
The
United States Mint obtains annually from its refinery operations a
considerable quantity of platinum, the largest part of which is derived
from scrap platinum and from sweepings, etc., bought from jewelers and
dentists. A small percentage of primary metal is, however, obtained in
refining gold bullion received at the mint from placer and lode mines.
During
1910 private refineries also began the separation of the platinum
metals from gold bullion. It is impossible to state accurately what
part of this output is derived from domestic sources.
The
best estimate that can be made would probably be about 500 fine ounces.
Adding the refined equivalent of the domestic crude platinum to this,
we obtain 773 ounces as the probable output of refined platinum from
domestic ores in 1910.
