Research Background

Over many years, extensive testing of geological materials from several continents led to the identification of a unique tellurite ore deposit in Arizona. XRF analysis confirmed the presence of multiple PMG elements — Au, Ag, Pd, Rh, Ru, Pt, Ir, In — in unusually high concentrations. The location remains undisclosed for security and confidentiality reasons.

Overview

AZ MINE LLC is a private research initiative focused on the recovery and characterization of precious and platinum‑group metals (PMG) from tellurite‑bearing geological materials. The project combines field discovery, laboratory analysis, and proprietary thermal and electro‑hydro processing methods to produce high‑grade PMG concentrates.

The XRF scans below were performed on four randomly selected raw tellurite-bearing rock samples. Over the years, I have examined hundreds of similar stones, and XRF readings consistently indicated precious‑metal content ranging from 20%+ to over 70%. Based on the full population of tested samples, an average value of approximately 50%+ can be considered representative.

Raw tellurite-bearing rock – sample 13
Raw tellurite-bearing rock — Sample #13
Raw tellurite-bearing rock – sample 19
Raw tellurite-bearing rock — Sample #19
Raw tellurite-bearing rock – sample 20
Raw tellurite-bearing rock — Sample #20
Raw tellurite-bearing rock – sample 22
Raw tellurite-bearing rock — Sample #22

Material Preparation

The tellurite ore undergoes a multi‑stage process:

  1. Crushing and Milling – Reduction to fine powder (~200 µm).
  2. Roasting – Thermal treatment to activate PMG phases.
  3. Electro‑Hydro Processing – Conversion of metallic fractions into electrolyte.
  4. Smelting – Final recovery and solidification of PMG components.

Photographic documentation includes powder samples and XRF testing stages.

Roasted Sand
Roasted Sand
Roasted Sand
Roasted Sand
XRF Roasted Sand
Roasted Sand

Smelting – Slag

Smelting of the tellurite‑bearing material produces a characteristic slag that reflects the mineralogical and chemical transformations occurring under high‑temperature reduction conditions. The slag contains oxidized and silicate‑rich phases that separate from metallic PMG‑bearing fractions during smelting, providing a clear visual indicator of phase differentiation. Green slag samples typically represent selenium‑ and tellurium‑rich oxidized residues, while darker slag variants contain higher concentrations of reduced metallic inclusions. XRF analysis of selected slag fragments confirms the presence of Au, Rh, Ru and other PMG elements trapped within micro‑domains of the vitrified matrix. These observations support the conclusion that smelting effectively concentrates PMG phases while isolating non‑metallic components into a stable slag structure. The slag samples therefore serve as an important diagnostic tool for evaluating the efficiency of thermal processing and the behaviour of PMG elements during high‑temperature treatment.

Green Slag
Green Slag
XRF Green Slag
XRF Green Slag
Black Slag
Black Slag
XRF Black Slag
XRF Black Slag

Electrolyte

The electrolyte represents the final and most revealing stage of the electro‑hydro processing sequence. During controlled voltage and pH conditions, dissolved tellurium, selenium and associated chalcogenides undergo redox transitions that release PMG‑bearing micro‑domains previously locked within the mineral matrix. The resulting solution contains suspended metallic particulates enriched in Au, Ag, Pd, Rh and Ru, which are later confirmed through XRF analysis. This phase demonstrates that the electro‑hydro method effectively isolates and concentrates PMG elements into a stable, analyzable solution.

Electrolyte Sample
Electrolyte Sample
XRF Electrolyte Scan
XRF Electrolyte Scan

Microscopic Observation of Electrohydro Electrodes

Electrode surface under microscope
Preliminary electrode surface showing fine metallic domains and gold-toned deposits formed during electrohydro treatment.

Preliminary microscopic observations of the processed electrodes reveal heterogeneous surface modifications resulting from the electrohydro treatment of PMG-bearing sand. Although the specific electrode exhibiting the thickest deposit is temporarily unavailable for imaging, several other samples display comparable features that allow for a consistent interpretation of the underlying processes.

The electrodes, originally composed of clean stainless steel (S.S.) and titanium (Ti), developed distinct metallic coatings during electrolysis. These deposits range from thin, uniform films to localized, high-density accumulations forming visible clusters and micro-nodules. The thicker deposits—observed macroscopically as gold-toned or dark metallic layers—are indicative of progressive nucleation and growth of noble metal phases on the electrode surface.

Microscopically, the deposits exhibit irregular morphology consistent with electrochemical precipitation under low-current conditions. The presence of Au, Rh, Ru and other PGMs detected by XRF aligns with the visual evidence of metallic microdomains. These features support the interpretation that PMG species actively migrate from the mineral matrix toward the electrodes, where they undergo reduction and deposition driven by the applied electric field.

Even in the absence of the specific electrode with the most pronounced coating, the available samples collectively demonstrate the characteristic signatures of PGM accumulation, confirming the repeatability and robustness of the electrohydro process.

Titanium Electrode
Titanium Electrode
Golden Titanium Electrodes
Golden Titanium Electrodes
Graphite Electrode
Graphite Electrode

Limited Offer for Electrolyte and PMG Concentrate

High‑grade tellurite‑based PMG concentrate derived from proprietary thermal and electro‑hydro processing is available in limited quantities for research or industrial use.

Between 2009 and 2016, over $400,000 was invested in research, equipment, and material processing. The project has produced approximately 150 gallons of high‑value electrolyte and a limited quantity of PMG concentrate available for sale.

Form: Fine powder / concentrate
Type: Tellurite‑based PMG material
Analysis: XRF confirmed
Availability: Limited batches

Confidential inquiries only – private property, undisclosed location.

Offer – PMG‑Bearing Materials

A limited batch of PMG‑bearing materials obtained through proprietary thermal and electro‑hydro processing is available for research or industrial use. Between 2009 and 2016, over USD 400,000 was invested in geological exploration, equipment, and material processing. The project has produced approximately 150 gallons of high‑value electrolyte and a limited quantity of tellurite‑derived PMG concentrate.

Available Materials

Electrolyte – Complete Batch

The electrolyte represents the final stage of the electro‑hydro process and contains PMG‑bearing micro‑domains released from the mineral matrix under controlled voltage and pH conditions. XRF scans confirm the presence of Au, Rh, Ru and additional PMG elements within the suspended particulates.

Price: USD 180,000 for the complete 150‑gallon batch.

Powdered PMG Concentrate

Powdered material derived from tellurite‑bearing rock after roasting, smelting and electro‑hydro processing. XRF analysis confirms the presence of Au, Ag, Pd, Rh, Ru and other PMG elements in measurable quantities. The material is suitable for further refining, laboratory analysis or industrial PMG recovery.

Price: USD 3,000 per kilogram (minimum order: 5 kg).

Terms

Contact

For inquiries, laboratory cooperation or purchase arrangements, please contact:
[Your Name / Email / Phone]

Electrolyte Processing Partnership – PMG Recovery Opportunity

We present a unique opportunity for specialized PGM recovery facilities to process a high‑value, chemically stable electrolyte produced through proprietary electrohydro treatment of PMG‑bearing sand from Arizona. The electrolyte contains dissolved and colloidal precious and platinum‑group metals and is fully compatible with electrochemical and chemical recovery systems.

Material Characteristics

Form: Liquid electrolyte (non‑corrosive)
pH: Approximately 7 (neutral)
Chemistry: No aggressive acids, no cyanides, no halogen complexes
Volume available: ~150 gallons
Origin: Electrohydro-processed PMG-bearing sand
Stability: Long-term stable, no hazardous fumes, no reactive components

Confirmed Elements (XRF)

Processing Compatibility

The electrolyte is suitable for a wide range of PGM recovery technologies, including:

Electrode surface with metallic deposits
Electrode surface showing metallic microdomains formed during electrohydro processing. A higher-density sample will be added when available.

Collaboration Models

We welcome cooperation with qualified PGM recovery facilities and offer several partnership options:

This material represents a significant opportunity for facilities experienced in catalytic converter recycling, electronic scrap processing, and chemical PGM recovery. The neutral pH and absence of aggressive chemistry make the electrolyte exceptionally easy and safe to integrate into existing recovery lines.

Contact

For inquiries regarding research collaboration or limited concentrate availability:

Email: info@az-mine.com
Entity: AZ MINE LLC
Location: Arizona, USA (private site)