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Complete List of
Platinu m Group
Met als – PGM’s
 December 20, 2021

A Dive into the world of PGM's

Check out 5EA Resources

Metallic Minerals Q&am…

What does PGM stand for?

Platinum Group Metals are often referred to


as PGMs

···

What are the Six Platinum Group


Metals?
 Iridium
 Osmium
 Palladium
 Platinum
 Rhodium
 Rhuthenium

Why aren't Gold and Silver


considered part of the Platinum
Group Metals?

Platinum metals, in contrast to gold


and silver, can only be extracted and
identi?ed by a sophisticated aqueous
chemical processing, rather than
through simple ?re re?ning.

Descriptions of the 6 Platinum


Group Metals

Iridium Symbol - Ir

An element in the periodic table, Iridium is a


rare transition metal with an atomic number
of 77. Iridium was discovered by Swedish
chemist Carl Fredrik Wiberg at the
University of Lund on May 8, 1803.

Among PGMs, Iridium is the rarest and


exhibits the greatest resistance to
corrosion. Its high chemical and thermal
stability, along with biological compatibility,
lends it to numerous medical applications,
much like Platinum.

Iridium is most notable for its use in the


manufacturing of heat-resistant alloys,
which are used to make thermometer
probes and parts for jet engines. Iridium
exhibits unusual resistance to oxygen
corrosion, making it useful as high
temperature crucibles and containers for
sampling substances that react with
atmospheric oxygen. It also has electrical
properties similar to those of silver.

···

Osmium: The Densest and Hardest

Osmium Symbol - Os

Osmium is a chemical element that has the


symbol Os and atomic number 76. It was
discovered in 1803 by William Hyde
Wollaston in Birmingham, England.

Osmium is the densest and hardest


member of the PGMs, often alloyed with
other PGMs like platinum and iridium. It is
an excellent conductor of electricity and an
effective oxidation catalyst. Its applications
range from fuel cells to forensic science.

Osmium is a hard brittle metal that oxidizes


quickly when exposed to oxygen or water. It
is found primarily in the form of osmates,
but also occurs as an allotrope with a
hexagonal close-packed structure called
aurostibite. Osmium is used for making
electrical contacts, catalytic converters,
fuel cells, and alloys such as platinum–
osmium. The bulk material obtained from
osmic acid can be either pure or alloyed
with other metals.

···

Palladium: The Hydrogen Absorber

Palladium Symbol - Pd

Palladium is one of the rarest metals on


earth, but it is still common enough to be
found in jewellery, auto parts, and other
everyday items. Palladium has a unique
ability to resist corrosion. It also has a
relatively low melting point, which makes it
easy to mold or cast. Palladium is not toxic
unless ingested and does not emit any
harmful fumes.

Though not as popular as platinum in


jewellery production, Palladium stands out
due to its unique capacity to absorb
hydrogen. This feature is utilised in
chemical processes requiring hydrogen
exchange, thereby producing raw materials
for synthetic rubber and nylon. Just like
Platinum, Palladium offers excellent
catalytic properties and can replace
platinum in catalytic converters due to its
chemical stability.

···

The ?rst documented use for palladium


was as an alloy with silver more than 4000
years ago in India. The element can be
extracted from its ores using a variety of
techniques, including chemical reduction,
electrolysis, ion exchange, gas absorption,
precipitation, thermochemical processes,
and pyrometallurgy.

This delicate, silvery-white metal is highly


prized for its catalytic capabilities. With a
melting point that is higher than that of
other PGMs, it is also the most stable.

Platinum: More Than a Symbol of


Prestige
Platinum Symbol - Pt

Platinum, a well-recognised element of


PGMs, extends far beyond its ubiquitous
presence in jewellery. With a high melting
point and temperature stability, Platinum is
resistant to corrosion and oxidation,
making it an excellent oxidation catalyst.
Moreover, its biological compatibility lends
to signi?cant applications in medicine.

···

Platinum is a very rare metal with an atomic


number of 78. It is the most common of the
platinum group metals and it is also one of
the most useful metals in industrial
chemistry. Platinum has been used in
jewellery for centuries, such as China and
silverware, but its industrial uses are what
make it so expensive.

The chemical properties of platinum can be


grouped into four broad categories:
physical, electronic, electrochemical, and
catalytic. The colourless metallic element is
soft enough to cut easily by hand or will
fracture if struck against hard objects.

Rhodium: The Active Catalyst

Rhodium Symbol - Rh

Rhodium, another member of the PGMs, is


an active catalyst predominantly employed
in controlling vehicle emissions due to its
high melting point and temperature
stability. It also has a role in the
manufacture of glass.

···

The 45th atomic number. Silvery-white, very


hard, corrosive-resistant, and chemically
inert, it is a transition metal. Although it is
the most expensive of the precious metals,
Rhodium’s physical properties make it one
of the most valuable. Rhodium is rarer than
platinum and gold, yet it can withstand high
temperatures where other metals will melt.

Rhodium is used in turbocompressors in


cars. It’s also used to make optical lenses
for cameras and microscopes. Rhodium’s
bene?cial properties are hard won at great
expense. Most ore deposits contain only a
few parts per million (ppm) compared to
billions of ppm in pure metal. The discovery
of new reserves or improved mining
techniques means that production costs
can be kept low.

Ruthenium: The Hard Alloying


Agent

Ruthenium Symbol - Ru

Ruthenium is the 44th element on the


periodic table, and one of ?ve rare metals. It
is a shiny metal that is not only resistant to
corrosion but also has strong catalytic
properties which make it valuable for use in
chemical processes.

Despite its brittleness, Ruthenium is a


strong alloying agent for platinum and
palladium. Ruthenium shares the high
melting point and superior catalytic
properties with other PGMs. It ?nds usage
in the electrical and electrochemical
industries due to its conductive properties
and durability.

Ruthenium is one of the rarest metals on


Earth with annual production rates at less
than 1 kg per year. The major ruthenium-
containing minerals are carnotite (rutile)
and monnartosite (mixed ruthenates).
Ruthenium occurs naturally as an impurity
in iron ore deposits near Rhine mine,
Durban, South Africa.

Platinum Group Metals Have a Wide Range


of Applications

They all share some common traits: they’re


immune to oxidation, they’re all shiny and
silvery in appearance and they’re usually
malleable. For this reason they are often
used to create jewellery or high-end
electronics because they are highly
conductive of heat, electricity, and light.

For example, palladium and platinum are


used as catalysts in the petroleum industry,
while iridium and platinum are used to
make pacemakers and other medical
implants and osmium and rhodium are
used in the production of nitric acid and
chemicals like cleaning liquids, adhesives,
and paints.

PGMs have exceptional catalytic


capabilities. For exquisite jewellery,
platinum’s resistance to wear and
tarnishing makes it a good choice. This
material is resistant to chemical assault,
has good thermal qualities and is stable
electrically.

All of these characteristics have been put to


good use in the manufacturing process. For
the formation of single crystals, particularly
oxides like platinum, platinum alloys, and
iridium are often employed as crucible
materials.

Ammonia is partially oxidized to produce


nitric oxide, which is used in fertilizers,
explosives, and nitric acid.

The chemical industry utilizes platinum or a


platinum-rhodium alloy catalyst gauze to
catalyze this process. As catalysts in
synthetic organic chemistry, many PGM
have emerged in recent years. The titanium
anodes used to produce chlorine and
caustic are coated with ruthenium dioxide.

For the petrochemical sector, platinum-


supported catalysts are employed in the
re?nement of crude oil, reforming, and
other processes that produce high-octane
gasoline and aromatic chemicals.

How are PGM’s used in the


Automotive Industry?

When it comes to PGM’s the automotive


sector has been a major user since the
Seventies. As an oxidation catalyst in
catalytic converters used to treat car
exhaust pollutants, palladium, platinum,
and rhodium have been employed for
decades.

Low-voltage and low-energy connections,


thick- and thin-?lm circuits, thermocouples
and furnace components, and electrodes
all employ a broad variety of PGM alloy
compositions.

Who are the main PGM ReKneries?

When it comes to the re?ning of PGM’s the


number of re?neries globally is much
smaller than gold and silver due to the
longer processing and chemical extraction
processing techniques. The major PGM
re?neries in this space are the like of:

Anglo American Platinum Limited

Anglo American Platinum Limited is a


mining company based in South Africa. The
company is a subsidiary of the Anglo
American Group and is one of the largest
producers of platinum in the world.

Founded in 1995, the company has grown


steadily and now operates in multiple
locations across South Africa, including the
Rustenburg, Mogalakwena, and
Amandelbult mines. Anglo American
Platinum Limited employs more than
30,000 people and is committed to
sustainable mining practices that prioritize
community development, environmental
protection, and responsible resource
management.

Approximately 40% of freshly mined


platinum is produced by the Anglo
American Platinum group, the world’s top
main producer. As the ores mined include
PGMs, the amount of other PGMs it creates
is likewise governed by their abundance.
Palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and
osmium are the other PGMs except
platinum.

The company is passionate about the


transformative power of the mining
industry and is dedicated to creating a
positive impact in the communities it
operates in. Despite facing challenges from
declining platinum prices and geopolitical
instability, Anglo American Platinum
Limited continues to uphold its
commitment to excellence and innovation
in the mining industry.

BASF Corporation

BASF Corporation is a global leader in the


production and supply of PGM (platinum
group metals) products. PGMs are used for
various applications, including catalytic
converters for automobiles and chemical
processes in the manufacturing industry.

BASF’s PGM business includes


manufacturing, re?ning, and distributing
these metals, which are primarily sourced
from mines in South Africa and Russia. The
company offers a range of products,
including platinum, palladium, rhodium,
iridium, and ruthenium.

BASF also provides technical services and


support to its customers, ensuring that
their products meet the highest quality
standards. The PGM business is one of the
key growth drivers for BASF, with a strong
emphasis on sustainability and responsible
sourcing.

Overall, BASF’s PGM business plays a


critical role in supporting sustainable
development and innovation across various
industries.

Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co.

Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. is a


German precious metal re?ning and
marketing company catering to businesses
in various industries worldwide. The
company produces and trades precious
metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and
palladium as well as precious metal
products such as wire, tubing, and precious
metal compounds.

Heraeus serves a broad range of markets,


including the chemical, semiconductor, and
automotive industries, and offers services
such as metal management, technical
support, and laboratory services.

With a well-established presence in the


precious metals industry, they strive to
maintain excellent quality, sustainability,
and service standards. Furthermore, they
aim to develop innovative solutions that
cater to the diverse needs of their
customers, making them the preferred
choice in the precious metal market.

Impala Platinum Ltd.

Impala Platinum Ltd. is a leading supplier


of platinum group metals (PGMs), which
include platinum, palladium, rhodium,
iridium, ruthenium, and osmium. They are
mined primarily in South Africa and Russia,
and used in a variety of industrial
applications including automotive catalytic
converters, jewelry, and electronics.

The company’s PGM business is primarily


focused on the mining, re?ning, and
processing of these metals, with
production concentrated in Impala’s
Rustenburg and Marula mines in South
Africa. The company has a strong
reputation for sustainability, with a
commitment to reducing its carbon
footprint and promoting responsible mining
practices.

Impala’s PGM business has also been


impacted by euctuations in the global
economy and demand for these metals, but
the company remains well-positioned to
meet demand and navigate changing
market conditions.

Overall, Impala Platinum Ltd. is a valuable


contributor to the PGM sector and the
broader South African economy.

Ishifuku Metal Industry Co.

Ishifuku Metal Industry Co. is a leading


Japanese company that specializes in the
production and distribution of platinum
group metals (PGMs). The company has
been in business for over 60 years and has
developed a strong reputation for quality,
reliability, and innovation.

Ishifuku produces a wide range of PGM


products, including catalytic converters,
jewelry, and industrial materials that are
used in electronics, automotive, and
medical industries.

Ishifuku’s PGM business is unique because


the company is committed to sustainability
and environmental responsibility. The
company follows strict guidelines for
resource management, waste reduction,
and recycling. This approach has helped
the company reduce its environmental
footprint and improve its reputation among
customers and stakeholders.

Overall, Ishifuku’s PGM business is a leader


in the industry due to its commitment to
quality, innovation, and sustainability. The
company’s long-standing reputation and
focus on customer satisfaction make it a
top choice for businesses looking for high-
quality PGM products.

···

Johnson Matthey PLC

Johnson Matthey PLC is a leading global


provider of sustainable technologies that
enhance the quality of life for people
around the world. One of its most
signi?cant businesses is the Platinum
Group Metal (PGM) division that deals with
the sourcing, production, and marketing of
platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

This business unit specializes in providing


advanced PGM solutions to customers
across industries such as automotive,
chemical, petrochemical, and
pharmaceuticals. Johnson Matthey’s PGM
division also leverages its expertise in
Catalysis, Process Technologies, and
Precious Metals Management to create
value for its clients and stakeholders.

The company’s primary focus is to provide


sustainable PGM products and solutions
that contribute to environmental
sustainability, innovation, and resource
efciency. Johnson Matthey has a global
PGM production capacity of approximately
six million ounces, with operations
spanning across Asia, Europe, North
America, and South America.

Overall, the PGM business is a critical


component of Johnson Matthey’s
sustainability-focused portfolio of
businesses, helping to create a cleaner and
more sustainable future.

JSC MMC Norilsk Nickel

JSC MMC Norilsk Nickel is a Russian


mining company that specializes in the
extraction of various metals, including
platinum group metals (PGMs). The
company has a signi?cant presence in the
global PGM market and is one of the
largest producers of PGMs in the world,
with a market share of over 40%.

Norilsk Nickel’s PGM business is based on


the extraction of palladium and platinum
from its mines in Russia. The company
operates several mines in the Norilsk region
of Siberia, which contain some of the
world’s richest deposits of these metals.

The company’s PGM business has been a


major contributor to its revenue and pro?ts
in recent years. Norilsk Nickel has bene?ted
from strong demand for PGMs in various
industries, including automotive,

···
electronics, and jewelry.

Overall, JSC MMC Norilsk Nickel’s PGM


business is an important part of its
operations and has helped to establish the
company as a leading player in the global
metals market.

Northam Platinum Limited.

Northam Platinum Limited is a leading


producer of platinum group metals (PGMs)
and operates out of the Bushveld Complex
in South Africa. The company’s focus is on
underground mining, processing and
re?ning of PGMs, primarily consisting of
platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium,
ruthenium, and gold.

Northam’s eagship operation is the


Zondereinde mine, which is an underground
mining operation focused on the extraction
of PGMs from the Merensky and UG2 reefs.
The company’s Eland and Booysendal
mines also contribute signi?cantly to its
PGM production. Furthermore, Northam
has recently acquired a signi?cant stake in
the metal recycling business, Heraeus
South Africa.
···

Overall, Northam Platinum Limited has a


strong focus on sustainability, safety, and
social responsibility, and is committed to
long-term value creation for all its
stakeholders, including shareholders,
employees, communities, and the
environment. As a result, Northam has
established itself as a reputable and
responsible player in the PGM industry.

Sibanye-Stillwater

Sibanye-Stillwater is a leading South


African mining company that specializes in
precious metals, with a particular focus on
platinum group metals (PGMs). The
company’s PGM business is a critical
component of its operations, accounting
for a substantial portion of its overall
revenue and pro?ts.

Sibanye-Stillwater’s PGM operations


include a range of mining activities, such as
exploration, extraction, and processing of
PGM ores. The company also operates
re?ning and smelting facilities that enable it
to produce high-quality PGM products that
are in demand around the world.

Sibanye-Stillwater is committed to
responsible mining practices and
sustainable production, with a focus on
minimizing its impact on the environment
and maximizing the bene?ts for its
stakeholders. With a strong track record of
success in the PGM industry, Sibanye-
Stillwater is well-positioned to remain a
leader in this sector for years to come.

···

Tanaka Kikinzoku K.K.

Tanaka Kikinzoku K.K. is a Japanese


company that specializes in the precious
metals business. In particular, they are
renowned for their platinum group metals
(PGM) business. PGMs are a group of six
rare metals, consisting of platinum,
palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and
osmium.

These metals are incredibly valuable and


used in a variety of industries, such as
jewelry making, automotive manufacturing,
and chemical production. Tanaka Kikinzoku
K.K. has developed advanced technologies
to re?ne and recycle these metals, making
them a leading player in the global PGM
market.

The company has a strong commitment to


sustainability, and their innovative “urban
mining” processes enable the recovery of
PGMs from discarded materials. With a
focus on quality, innovation, and
sustainability, Tanaka Kikinzoku K.K.’s PGM
business continues to be a key contributor
to the growth of the global precious metals
industry.

···

Umicore

Umicore is a global materials technology


company based in Belgium that specializes
in the development and production of
platinum group metals (PGMs). PGMs are a
group of six precious metals, including
platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium,
iridium, and osmium, that are widely used in
various industrial applications, including
automotive catalysts, industrial catalysts,
electronics, and jewelry.

The company’s PGM business accounts for


a signi?cant portion of Umicore’s overall
revenue, and it has established itself as a
leading supplier of PGMs to various
industries worldwide. Umicore’s PGM
business involves the extraction, re?ning,
and recycling of precious metals, with a
focus on sustainable and responsible
sourcing.

In addition to producing PGMs, Umicore


also offers a range of PGM-related
products and services, including catalysts,
chemicals, and materials for various
applications. The company’s expertise in
PGMs has enabled it to develop innovative
technologies that help reduce emissions
and improve energy efciency, further
reinforcing its commitment to
sustainability.

 Contact Us us if you are looking to buy or sell PG

  

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···

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