Platinum

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%999.9 Pure

Report on Platinum

1. Platinum Production (Global Annual Production)

Platinum is a rare and valuable precious metal primarily used in jewelry, industrial applications, and as an investment vehicle. The primary producers are concentrated in a few countries, notably in Southern Africa.

Country Annual Production (metric tons)
South Africa 90
Russia 30
Zimbabwe 15
Canada 6
United States 4
Colombia 2

Global Total: Approximately 147 metric tons annually.

Sources: World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC), United States Geological Survey (USGS)

2. Platinum Mines and Refineries

Platinum is predominantly mined from platinum group metal (PGM) ores, which typically contain nickel and copper alongside platinum. The primary sources of platinum mining include:

Major Platinum Mines:

  • South Africa: Home to the majority of the world's platinum reserves, with key mining areas in the Bushveld Complex, including mines like Impala Platinum and Anglo American Platinum.
  • Russia: The Norilsk complex is one of the largest producers of platinum globally.
  • Zimbabwe: The Great Dyke region hosts significant platinum reserves.

Refineries:

  • Amplats (Anglo American Platinum): One of the largest refiners in South Africa.
  • Impala Platinum: Processes its own mined platinum as well as feeds from third-party suppliers.
  • Norilsk Nickel: Major refiners and producers of palladium and platinum in Russia.

Sources: World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC), International Platinum Association

3. Platinum Usage in Different Categories

Platinum has diverse applications, which can be categorized as follows:

Category Annual Platinum Usage (metric tons) Percentage
Jewelry 55 37%
Automotive (Catalytic Converters) 40 27%
Industrial Applications 30 20%
Investment 15 10%
Electronics 7 6%
  • Jewelry: Platinum's density and tarnish resistance make it a preferred choice for high-end jewelry.
  • Automotive: Mostly used in catalytic converters for reducing emissions, making it crucial for the automotive industry.
  • Industrial Applications: Used in chemical processing, electronics, and medical devices due to its catalytic properties and resistance to corrosion.

Sources: World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC), Johnson Matthey

4. Global Platinum Usage

Platinum consumption varies globally depending on industrial demand, automotive production rates, and jewelry preferences.

Country/Region Annual Platinum Usage (metric tons) Main Use
China 35 Automotive, Jewelry
South Africa 28 Jewelry, Industrial
United States 20 Automotive, Jewelry
Germany 15 Automotive, Industrial
Japan 12 Automotive, Electronics
United Kingdom 10 Jewelry, Investment

Key Insights:

  • China is the largest consumer, driven by its expanding automotive sector and jewelry market.
  • South Africa uses a significant amount of platinum for both local consumption and exports.

Sources: World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC), Metals Focus

5. Global Platinum Trade

The global trade in platinum involves a complex web of supply chains connecting mining operations with manufacturers and end-users.

Key Trading Hubs:

  • London: A major financial center for platinum trading, with the London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM) being a key player.
  • Johannesburg: The hub for African platinum trade with major mining companies based in the region.
  • Hong Kong: A growing center for platinum investment products and jewelry trade.

Key Exporters and Importers:

Exporter Annual Platinum Exports (metric tons)
South Africa 73
Russia 27
Zimbabwe 10
Canada 5
Importer Annual Platinum Imports (metric tons)
China 40
United States 25
Germany 15
Japan 12

Trade Patterns:

  • South Africa is the largest exporter, primarily supplying to Europe and Asian markets.
  • China is the largest importer, driven by significant demand for automotive and industrial applications.

Sources: World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC), World Trade Organization (WTO)