Metal Production
Once the ore is leached the pregnant solutions containing platinum, gold, rhodium and palladium are collected onto ion-exchange resins. Once collected each metal needs to be refined and beneficiated, (upgraded). This can be done at the mine site, off-site in a separate facility, or outsourced to precious metal refiners, of which there are several in the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. The metals can then be readily sold into any of the commodity trading markets in the US, London, and Asia. Industrial buyers can also purchase directly through long-term off-take contracts.
Management
Portuguese Creek Management LLC, a Colorado Limited Liability company, is responsible for all aspects of management of the Partnership. It currently has three managers: James Dascalos, Alex Duncan and Whit Allen. Paul Gates is ROCI’s Chief Operation Officer, and both Yani Roditis and Dr. John Trefny serve on the Board of Advisors for the Portuguese Creek Partnership. The Management of the Partnership has also utilized professional industry consultants throughout the project, and their respective reports and Curriculum Vitas are available upon request.
Partnership
The Partnership was formed in late 2001 by the Geochemist that found the property, (the late), Dr. Michael B. Mehrtens and ROCI as equal Limited Partners. ROCI provided metallurgical work through its labs, and Dr. Mehrtens provided the geochemical understanding of the mineralization. The Partners completed two different private placement fund-raisings, each after key determinations during its pre-feasibility studies. The Partnership has ten Limited Partners, representing 97% of the Limited Partnership Interest. The other 3% is a non-dilutable interest held by the General Partner, Portuguese Creek Management LLC.