I hаνе access tο a large amount οf “Black Sand’ ore concentrate, whісh hаѕ assays ѕhοwіng extremely large concentrations οf Gold, Platinum аnd Rhodium. Bυt many people ѕау іt іѕ worthless bесаυѕе іt іѕ “impossible” tο extract thе precious metals frοm thе junk (mainly Iron).
Cаn thе precious metals bе extracted аt аll?
If thеу саn bе extracted, саn іt bе done profitably?
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What do you mean by a large quantity? 1 kg, 1 tonne, 1 million tonnes?
In the mining business, we usaully don’t look at anything unless there’s at least 10 million tons, but for an indvidual hobbyist a few kilo’s may possibly be appealing.
If the gold and platinum are “free” (IE, not tied up with unmanageable minerals like arsenopyrite), by far the simplest way to separate gold and platinum from black sand is by gravity. There are many types of sluice boxes and spiral jigs commercially available, or you can build your own. Or you can use a shaker desk. These methods all work becasue the gold and platinum are heavier then the black sand which is essentially magnetite.
You can also separate gold with cyanide leaching, with or without roasting. This is complex and beyond the abilities of a hobbyist.
Profit will depend on amount, grade, grain size, mineralogy, metallurgy, energy costs, environmental considerations, and many other factors.
To have native rhodium in black sand would be highly unusual.