In order to obtain pure platinum, the ore is crushed, made into a slurry, and then mixed with a detergent containing "collector" molecules. Air is then blown through the mixture, enabling the grains of metal minerals to be separated from the rest of the mixture. This process is called "flotation." The next step is smelting.
In 2006, world supply of platinum was of about 217,700 kg or 7 million troy ounces.
Average Price from 1991 to 2007 in $ per troy ounce (~$40/g).
