Process for the extraction of platinum group metals

A process for recovering platinum group metals from feedstock materials including such metals, in a plasma arc furnace which comprises the steps of:

• introducing a charge of flux, a collector material, and a feedstock material to the plasma furnace;
• forming a melt by heating the charge to at least about 1350.degree. C., the melt comprising a first layer of slag and a second layer of collector material associated with a major portion of the platinum group metals from the feedstock material;
• and
• impinging a plasma arc flame on a surface on a surface of the slag layer so that a superheated puddle is formed on said surface having a temperature of about 100.degree. to 500.degree. C. greater than the melt, and which fluid and thermal flow in the superheated puddle and slag whereby the accumulation of platinum group metals in the second layer is accelerated and the plasma arc flame is moved across the slag layer surface to distribute heat in the superheated puddle and avoid vaporization of the slag.