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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 News


Image of Zimbabwe flag and periodic table symbols for platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold
Karo platinum project, Zimbabwe – update
18th September 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Tharisa has completed three critical steps underpinning the development of Karo. 


Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania.
Two new projects secure Sibanye-Stillwater approval
18th September 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Burnstone gold project in South Africa and Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania, both considerably infrastructured with near-term revival outlooks, have been approved by Johannesburg... 


Valterra Platinum Executive Head Mining Operations Willie Theron.
Exciting Mogalakwena mine has 300-year-plus resource life, Valterra Platinum highlights
16th September 2026 By: Martin Creamer

There is no argument that the Mogalakwena platinum group metals (PGM) mine in South Africa’s Limpopo province is “definitely” the PGM mining industry's most exciting endowment, Valterra Platinum... 


Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Ramokgopa unveils first six projects to emerge from national green hydrogen programme
15th September 2026 By: Irma Venter

The first six priority projects have emerged from government’s national green hydrogen programme pipeline. The projects all form part of the newly launched National Green Hydrogen Deal Book, which... 


An image of the Mooinooi plant
Sylvania launches share buyback following record full-year performance
15th September 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Aim-listed Sylvania Platinum achieved record production of 95 885 oz of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (4E) platinum group metals (PGMs) from its Sylvania Dump Operations (SDO) and the Thaba... 


Neo Energy Metals CFO Elmarié Maritz
Neo Energy Metals appoints new CFO, Westerman takes up new role
10th September 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

LSE- and A2X Markets-listed Neo Energy Metals has appointed Elmarié Maritz CFO, taking over from Martin Westerman who served as acting CFO from June and moves to the newly created role of group... 


Refraline Group services manager Jacques Krog spoke to Engineering News & Mining Weekly during the Electra Mining Africa event, held in Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Refraline Group has been engineering reliability since 1981
9th September 2026

Established in 1981, the Refraline Group has grown into one of Southern Africa’s leading providers of refractory, corrosion and pyrometallurgical engineering solutions. The company offers an... 


Sibanye-Stillwater's Rustenburg PGM operation
Sibanye-Stillwater proposes restructure of South African PGM shaft; 1 114 jobs on the line
8th September 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Global mining and metals processing group Sibanye-Stillwater will start consultations with organised labour and non-unionised employees regarding the proposed restructuring of the Kwezi shaft – an... 


ARM CEO Phillip Tobias.
ARM headline earnings up 19%, dividend declared
4th September 2026 By: Martin Creamer

The headline earnings of diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) increased by 19% to R3 201-million in the financial year ended June 30 on mainly higher dollar platinum group... 


Location map of the Bengwenyama project
Bengwenyama platinum group metals project, South Africa – update
4th September 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has granted the mining right for the project for an initial 30-year period.  


ariel view of a mine site
Investment success hinges on market attractiveness
4th September 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

Zimbabwe’s ability to attract and retain mining investment depends on maintaining current economic stability, infrastructure development and access to long-term capital, says financial institution... 


SCI symposium papers reflect 'depth and diversity'.
South Africa’s minerals future to be explored by emerging researchers on October 2
4th September 2026 By: Martin Creamer

At a time when calls are being made for South Africa to modernise its mining sector, emerging researchers will on October 2 have a next-generation platform to explore the future of the minerals... 


Implats CEO Nico Muller.
New-phase R60bn capex programme announced by Impala Platinum
3rd September 2026 By: Martin Creamer

A big part of Impala Platinum is focused on the future and on developing future strengths and competitive positioning, Implats CEO Nico Muller outlined on Thursday, September 3, when this... 


Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania.
Two new projects win Sibanye-Stillwater thumbs up
2nd September 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Burnstone gold project in South Africa and Mount Lyell copper/gold/silver project in Tasmania, both considerably infrastructured with near-term revival outlooks, have been approved by Johannesburg... 


LEVEL MEASUREMENT VEGABAR 86 is a smart, durable and low-maintenance density-compensated level measurement option for plants dealing with tough slurry conditions and constantly shifting process variables
Level measurement enhances flotation cell efficiency
28th August 2026

Robust, density-compensated level measurement has become essential in flotation cells – the “heartbeat” of mineral processing plants across sub-Saharan Africa, reports measurement technology... 


Sibanye-Stillwater's Kroondal PGM mine
Sibanye-Stillwater flags higher earnings on solid operations and higher prices, margins
27th August 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Multinational metals and mining company Sibanye-Stillwater expects to report a more than 200% year-on-year improvement in headline earnings per share (HEPS) to between R5.71 and R6.51, or between... 


Solar panels at a mine in South Africa
South African miners accelerate shift to renewable power to cut Eskom reliance
26th August 2026 By: Reuters

South Africa's mining firms are accelerating investment in renewable energy as they seek to diversify power sources, cut costs and meet decarbonisation targets, marking a shift after decades of... 


Northam's Booysendal mine
Northam to call for further proposals after receiving unsolicited buyout bid
25th August 2026 By: Schalk Burger

JSE-listed platinum group metals (PGMs) miner Northam Platinum says it will initiate a strategic, competitive process to proactively solicit proposals from interested parties for one or more... 


EDWARD STERCK
The platinum group metals market continues to underestimate the breadth of the platinum demand profile, while overestimating the speed at which battery-electric vehicles will displace traditional automotive demand
PGM’s structural deficit underpins positive long-term outlook – WPIC
21st August 2026 By: Trent Roebeck

The long-term outlook for platinum group metals (PGMs) is continuing to strengthen as persistent supply deficits, resilient automotive demand, expanding industrial applications and constrained... 


ARM CEO Phillip Tobias.
ARM highlights value of Bokoni platinum project, restart of nickel mine
21st August 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Bokoni and Nkomati are two of African Rainbow Minerals’ (ARM’s) 100%-owned flagship projects that are poised to unlock significant long-term value for ARM and its shareholders, ARM CEO Phillip... 


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