This work presents a detailed study of platinum-group mineral (PGM) assemblages from the Malaya Kamenushka River placer, whose formation is associated with the weathering of the Kamenushensky Uralian–Alaskan type massif, Middle Urals, Russian Federation. The deposit is characterised by the dominance of isoferroplatinum, together with significant numbers of inclusions of Os–Ir–Ru alloys and platinum-group element (PGE) sulfides. A study of the Os–Ir–Ru alloys permitted recognition of two types of iridium with different morphology and composition. The similarity of the PGM assemblages from the Malaya Kamenushka River placer and the lode mineralisation of the Kamenushensky massif is demonstrated. A comparison of PGM assemblages from the Malaya Kamenushka River placer with other placers and massifs of the Ural platinum belt demonstrates significant differences in the number of Os–Ir–Ru inclusions. Such differences for minerals of refractory elements cannot be explained by the vertical zoning of the lode mineralisation. Most probably this is associated with the enrichment of the primary substrate with Os, Ir and Ru and/or the degree of melting, depending on the chosen model of formation of the Uralian–Alaskan type massifs.

Gas Technology Institute (GTI), together with its partners University of California at Merced (UC Merced) and MicroLink Devices Inc. (MicroLink) are developing a full spectrum solar energy collection system to deliver variable electricity and on-demand heat. The technology uses secondary optics in a solar receiver to achieve high efficiency at high temperature, collects heat in particles for low fire danger, stores heat in particles instead of molten salt for low cost, and uses double junction (2J) photovoltaic (PV) cells with backside infrared (IR) reflectors on the secondary optical element to raise exergy efficiency. The overall goal is to deliver enhancement to established trough technology while exceeding the heliostat power tower molten salt temperature limit. The use of inert particles for heat transfer may make parabolic troughs safer near population centers and may be valuable for industrial facilities.