A new resin incorporating benzimidazolylazo group into a matrix of polystyrene divinylbenzene has been prepared. The exchange capacity of the resin for the ions mercury(II), silver(I) and palladium(II) as a function of pH has been determined. The resin exhibits no affinity for alkali or alkaline earth metals. It is highly selective for Hg(II), Ag(I) and Pd(II). In column operation, it has been observed that Hg(II), Ag(I) and Pd(II) in trace quantities can be selectively separated from geological, medicinal and environmental samples.