Platinum Group Metals
Platinum group metals (PGMs) are a family of six metallic elements clustered together in the periodic table, comprising platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. These metals share similar physical and chemical properties, including high melting points, exceptional resistance to corrosion and oxidation, and catalytic capabilities that make them indispensable in industrial applications. PGMs are among the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, with global production concentrated in a handful of regions, most notably South Africa's Bushveld Complex, which holds approximately 75% of the world's known reserves, and Russia's Norilsk-Talnakh deposits. The automotive sector accounts for the largest share of PGM demand, where platinum, palladium and rhodium are essential components of catalytic converters that reduce harmful emissions from internal combustion engines. Beyond automotive applications, PGMs are critical in petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, jewellery and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Platinum and palladium are also traded as investment commodities on major exchanges, with prices subject to significant volatility driven by supply constraints, automotive demand cycles and shifts in environmental regulation. The mining and processing of PGMs is capital-intensive and technically complex, typically involving deep underground operations and energy-intensive smelting and refining processes. South Africa's dominance in PGM production has made the sector a cornerstone of the country's mining economy, though operational challenges including labour unrest, electricity supply constraints and declining ore grades have periodically disrupted output. The transition to electric vehicles poses both risks and opportunities for the PGM industry, potentially reducing autocatalyst demand while opening new markets in hydrogen fuel cells and battery technologies. Recycling of PGMs from spent catalytic converters and electronic waste has become an increasingly important secondary source of supply, helping to mitigate supply risks and reduce environmental impact.
Platinum Group Metals Updates
South Africa’s Deputy President in hydrogen fuel cell working visit to China
By: Martin Creamer 22nd June 2026 As part of a working visit to China, South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile has met with a key industry organisation that promotes the... →
July’s Shanghai Week set to firm up platinum’s already solid status
By: Martin Creamer 15th June 2026 In a year where change is proving to be rapid and consequential, the major upcoming Shanghai Platinum Week is bound to connect key trends across... →
Strong exploration system essential to mining’s future, Junior Indaba points out
By: Martin Creamer 9th June 2026 A strong and vibrant exploration system is essential to the future of the mining sector, and to advancing transformation, inclusion, and long-term... →
Platinum investment demand broadening to minor PGM metals, SFA (Oxford) points out 
By: Martin Creamer 3rd June 2026 The strong ongoing investment demand for platinum is broadening to the minor platinum group metals (PGMs) such as ruthenium and iridium, SFA... →
South Africa can become strong value-add minerals player again, PyroFuZA points out
By: Martin Creamer 2nd June 2026 Look out for PyroFuZA. Those eight letters have the potential to make best use of South Africa’s natural resources and restore South Africa’s... →
Platinum’s the gift that just keeps on giving as global value-chain prospects resurface
By: Martin Creamer 25th May 2026 Platinum‑based equipment is critical for producing large, flawless crystals for electronics and optics applications, says the World Platinum... →
Investment demand for platinum still extremely strong
By: Martin Creamer 18th May 2026 Investment demand for platinum remains extremely strong, with market fundamentals continuing to support platinum as a compelling investment. Market... →
Positive operating income heartens challenged Eastplats
By: Martin Creamer 15th May 2026 Positive first-quarter mine operating income has heartened South African platinum group metals (PGM) and chrome mining company Eastplats, which... →
Sibanye-Stillwater highlights good safety performance amid 371% earnings upsurge
By: Martin Creamer 6th May 2026 Operational consistency, focused cost control and materially higher first-quarter earnings have strengthened the financial position of... →
Implats reports robust PGM demand, beneficial pricing
By: Martin Creamer 24th April 2026 Despite elevated global geopolitical tensions, robust demand for platinum group metals (PGMs) has been accompanied by sustained beneficial pricing... →
