Abstract: A method for recovering platinum group elements comprises charging an oxide raw material entraining platinum group elements, copper oxide, solid carbonaceous reducing agent and flux into a closed electric furnace equipped with at least one electrode for heating material and a roof for substantially shielding material charged into the furnace from the exterior atmosphere. The charged material is melted and reduced to form a layer of molten metal under a molten slag layer and enrich platinum group elements in this molten metal. The oxide raw material, copper oxide, solid carbonaceous reducing agent and flux are prepared as powdery or particulate materials, premixed and then charged into the electric furnace. The heat-melted material in the furnace is allowed to stand at a temperature of 1200° to 1500° C. for at least 5 hours, with the molten metal containing platinum group elements then being discharged outside the furnace.