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PLATINUM AND ALLIED METALS.
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By James M. Hill.
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DOMESTIC PRODUCTION.
CRUDE PLATINUM.
The
production of crude platinum in California and Oregon in 1915 was
741.91 troy ounces, having a value of about $23,500. This was an
increase of 171.91 ounces over the production in 1914. Most of the
crude platinum came from California; only one mine in Oregon reported a
production in 1915.
The Rambler mine, Albany County, Wyo., produced platinum-bearing copper concentrates, which were shipped to eastern refiners.
REFINED PLATINUM.
According
to the reports received from the refiners of platinum, gold bullion,
and blister copper, 8,665 troy ounces of refined new metals of the
platinum group were recovered, of which 1,587 troy ounces are believed
to be of domestic origin.
New platinum and allied metals recovered by refiners, 1914-15, in troy ounces.
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These
figures are not as complete as could be desired, and are probably
several hundred ounces below the actual production. The platinum
situation has been so disquieting during 1915 that refiners have been
loath to give much information either as to the sources from which
their supplies have been derived or as to the actual results of their
operations. It is hoped, however, that another year will see more
stable conditions.
Aside
from the output of new metal of the platinum group, a large quantity of
secondary metal derived from the refining of scrap and sweeps was sold.
The figures given below are tabulated from replies received from the
refiners and appear to show, when taken in conjunction with the
figures of production of new metals and of imports, the total quantity
of platinum and allied metals necessary to supply the domestic market.
It must be realized that figures of sales of scrap metal contain some
duplications, for scrap, especially from
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139
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