PRECIOUS METALS
PGMs
© copyright Airbus 2020 all rights reserved
SHAPING THE WORLD By Nelendhre Moodley
P
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE KEY FACTORS DRIVING INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PGM SPACE?
For over 100 years the key factor that has resulted in innovation and technology development related to PGMs is their unique properties. Leading-edge academic research and the multi-faceted process that leads to commercialisation of processes and products that use PGMs, including access to capital, are as important here as in any other scientific advancement. However, the unique catalytic, chemical and physical properties of PGMs underpin, strongly, both new uses and innovative applications of existing ones. At the moment, the global imperative to decarbonise – and the emphasis on reducing emissions – is also creating what some consider to be a “hydrogen revolution”, which is a major focus for PGM innovation and development.
24
SA MINING
MAY / JUNE 2021
© Johnson Matthey
latinum group metals are playing an integral role in shaping the world we live in. To find out just how much the advancing world is relying on PGMs, SA Mining caught up with the World Platinum Investment Council’s director of research Trevor Raymond.
Automotive PGM usage continues to see innovation.
$10-trillion
Estimated value of the green hydrogen market by 2050 WHAT IS THE APPETITE FROM THE VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, GOVERNMENTS AND LEADERS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS? WHY IS THIS?
Because PGMs have a long-standing and exemplary track record in so many diverse applications, it is hard for leaders, both public and private, not to have had exposure to their successful uses. This awareness has helped, and continues to help, PGM developments to attract support. However it is important that PGM market
www.samining.co.za
development efforts include increasing understanding of the role and potential of PGMs to ensure that any gaps in awareness are filled. Certainly, in terms of the hydrogen economy, there is considerable engagement. It is now estimated that green hydrogen could supply up to 25% of the world’s energy needs and become a $10-trillion addressable market by 2050. These projections are underpinned by the recent emergence of strong green
