Abstract: A process is disclosed for the recovery and assay of gold, silver (PMs) and the 6 platinum group elements (PGEs) from playa-evaporite sediments. Fine sediments are subjected to a primary leach with a highly caustic sodium thiosulfate leach liquor to produce a metal-pregnant solution. After filtration the pregnant solution is subjected to a two-stage precipitation of gold, silver and PGE values. In a first stage precious metals and some PGE elements are precipitated by lead acetate or sodium borohydride reagents. The precipitate may be subjected further to desulfurization and metallic footing to produce a lead-precious metal sponge. The sponge is de-leaded by firing and cupelling, selective cementation or electrolysis and reduction to dore is best effected by a carburizing distillation. The final recovery of the metal values is produced by controlled acid parting into individual precious metals and cupellation to the metallic state.