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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


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... 


Valterra Platinum CEO Craig Miller.
AI helping to develop alloys for use in new applications, Valterra Platinum reports
21st August 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Can you use AI to find new markets for platinum group metals (PGMs)? “The simple answer is yes,” was the reply of Valterra Platinum CEO Craig Miller to Mining Weekly during the latest media... 


SCI symposium papers reflect 'depth and diversity'.
South Africa’s minerals future to be explored by emerging researchers on Oct 2
17th August 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... 


UN ECA executive secretary Claver Gatete
SADC can be a testing ground for turning African minerals into development – UN ECA
14th August 2026 By: Schalk Burger

Demand for critical energy transition minerals, including cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese, nickel, platinum group metals (PGMs) and rare earth elements, could more than triple by 2030... 


PwC Associate Director Smart Mining South Africa Ian Mackay.
AI can help fill South Africa’s cadastre with deposits, mine modernising event hears
14th August 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Instead of relying primarily on traditional geological interpretation, South Africa can turn to AI for help in the same way as has been done with huge success to discover Zambia’s biggest copper... 


Valterra Platinum CEO Craig Miller.
Valterra Platinum remains ‘highly confident’ in ‘robust outlook’ for PGM demand
14th August 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed platinum group metals (PGM) mining and marketing company Valterra Platinum is actively supporting long-term PGM demand growth through strategic industry... 


Northam Platinum CEO Paul Dunne
Northam increases RCF to R15bn as it prepares for investment in further growth opportunities
11th August 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Johannesburg-listed Northam Platinum has finalised an agreement to increase its existing revolving credit facility (RCF) from R13.3-billion to R15-billion, taking Northam's total available banking... 


An image of Merafe's ferrochrome smelting
Merafe cautiously optimistic of second-half performance
11th August 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

JSE-listed Merafe Resources achieved a profit of R512-million for the six months ended June 30, compared with a profit of R233-million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, on the back of... 


This week: Anglo highlights ability to provide capital efficient copper growth in tightening market; Valterra Platinum remains ‘highly confident’ in ‘robust outlook’ for PGM demand and, Decarbonisation reinforcing demand for Kumba Iron Ore‘s high grade, lump products
Resources Watch
5th August 2026

This week: Anglo highlights ability to provide capital efficient copper growth in tightening market; Valterra Platinum remains ‘highly confident’ in ‘robust outlook’ for PGM demand and,... 


Valterra Platinum CEO Craig Miller.
AI helping to develop alloys for use in new applications, Valterra Platinum reports
3rd August 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Can you use AI to find new markets for platinum group metals (PGMs)? “The simple answer is yes,” was the reply of Valterra Platinum CEO Craig Miller to Mining Weekly during the latest media... 


The ribbon-cutting ceremony of a 2 kW PEM electrolyser at Sasol's R&T facility in Sasolburg
Sasol commissions PEM electrolyser to advance local hydrogen technology capability
31st July 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

JSE-listed energy and chemicals group Sasol has, in collaboration with its public-sector and academic partners, commissioned a 2 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser system at the... 


Sibanye-Stillwater VP Chrome and Base Metals Babsie Crane.
Expansion plans pointing to 75% increase in Sibanye-Stillwater’s chrome volumes
31st July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Chrome is a growing value contributor to the revenue base of Sibanye-Stillwater’s South Africa platinum group metals (PGM) portfolio, delivering margins, resilience and project support. Chrome has... 


Merafe reports lower output but guides for higher interim earnings
Merafe reports lower output but guides for higher interim earnings
27th July 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

JSE-listed Merafe Resources has reported that its share of ferrochrome production from the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture, in South Africa, amounted to 28 000 t for the six months ended June 30 – a... 


PwC Associate Director Smart Mining South Africa Ian Mackay.
AI can help fill South Africa’s cadastre with deposits, mine modernising event hears
27th July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Instead of relying primarily on traditional geological interpretation, South Africa can turn to AI for help in the same way as has been done with huge success to discover Zambia’s biggest copper... 


An image of Impala Rustenburg
Implats Rustenburg temporarily suspends production following safety incidents
27th July 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Fully integrated platinum group metals producer Impala Platinum Holdings (Implats) has proactively suspended mining operations at its Impala Rustenburg complex from July 24 to 28, to conduct a... 


Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability consultant Ashleigh Muller.
Modernisation of South African mining is an ‘urgent strategic priority’
24th July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Mining modernisation, with private and public sectors as drivers, is an urgent strategic priority for the South African economy, a study undertaken by industry leaders, researchers, government... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
On-The-Air (24/07/2026)
24th July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Martin Creamer discusses China’s platinum-focused Five-Year Plan, AI-driven efficiencies for lower-grade operations, and DRDGold’s R10-billion regional tailings storage expansion. 


China's PGMs focus, AI efficiencies, DRDGold's R10bn expansion make headlines
China's PGMs focus, AI efficiencies, DRDGold's R10bn expansion make headlines
24th July 2026

Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer talks about China’s Five-Year Plan, which has a focus on platinum group metals; the benefits of AI efficiencies, particularly for lower quality operations; and... 


Magazine cover image
AI could unlock discoveries if geologists stay in control
24th July 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

The increasing uptake of AI in many spheres of life has also extended to geology, where it has found several applications with varying degrees of success, although there are myriad ethical, safety... 


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