PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Indian Minerals
Yearbook 2013
(Part- II : Metals & Alloys)
nd

52 Edition

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

(FINAL RELEASE)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
INDIAN BUREAU OF MINES
Indira Bhavan, Civil Lines,
NAGPUR 440 001
PHONE/FAX NO. (0712) 2565471
PBX : (0712) 2562649, 2560544, 2560648

E-MAIL : cme@ibm.gov.in
Website: www.ibm.gov.in

May, 2015

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PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

13 Platinum and Palladium

latinum and palladium belong to platinum group of

metals (PGM). The six platinum group of elements
or PGEs (Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt) are a family of six
greyish to silver-white metals, except for osmium which
has a slight bluish tinge with close chemical and
physical affinities. These six elements are classified
into two groups with reference to the specific gravity
of gold (19.2). The elements, Ru, Rh, Pd (sp. gr. 12-12.4)
are lighter, while the other three elements, Os, Ir and Pt
are heavier than gold with sp. gr. in the range of
21.0-21.5. Major applications of platinum and palladium
are in automotive sector for emission control and in
chemical and petroleum refining.

Karnataka. Three zones having 10 to 830 ppb of

platinum and 50 to 1500 ppb of palladium were
established.

RESOURCES

GSI carried out exploration in various areas in the

states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha
and Tamil Nadu. The details are given in Table-2.

In India, appreciable values of platinum group of

elements (PGEs) were traced in the Precambrian mafic/
ultramafic complexes in Sukinda and Nuasahi sectors
of Odisha and Sittampundi in Tamil Nadu. Sampling of
chromite ore bodies and their associated rocks revealed
occurrence of PGE in these areas. Preliminary
assessment of PGMs in Sukinda ultramafic field
indicated isolated anomalous values in chromite.
Platinum values of 2 to 400 ppb and palladium values
of 1 to 500 ppb were established on analysis. The
limonite cappings over ultramafic rocks showed
combined platinum and palladium values between 40
and 290 ppb. In Boula-Nuasahi ultramafic complex, the
easternmost chromite band known as Shankar-Ganga
load, investigations revealed potential PGM
mineralisation. In Sittampundi Complex, Salem district,
Tamil Nadu, analysis of chromite bands showed 0.03 to
0.75 ppm Pt and 0.1 to 1.0 ppm Pd, whereas amphibolite
samples showed 0.03 to 0.05 ppm Pt and 0.03 to 0.5 ppm
Pd. A platinum-rich chromite-ferro-chromite breccia
zone stretching to about hundred metres in gabbroic
matrix was identified in the southern extension of the
already known Boula-Nuasahi area in Kendujhar
district, Odisha. In Usgaon area, Southern Goa,
PGM samples analysed up to 0.03 ppm Pt and 0.03 to
0.15 ppm Pd. In recent past, occurrences of PGE
mineralisation were reported in mafic-ultramafic complex
of Shimoga schist belt in Davangere district of

The major part of 15.7 tonnes UNFC resources of

PGMs estimated so far, i.e. 14.2 tonnes are located in
Nilgiri, Boula-Nuasahi and Sukinda areas in Odisha and
remaining 1.5 tonnes in Hanumalpura area in Shimoga
schist belt of Karnataka. About 49% resources are in
pre-feasibility category and the remaining in inferred
and reconnaissance category. The resources of PGM
as on 1.4.2010 as per UNFC system are given inTable-1.

EXPLORATION

USES
Platinum and palladium are primarily used as
catalyst in controlling the toxicity of emissions from
automobile, chemical and petroleum refining plants.
Nearly half of the total platinum used worldwide is as
catalysts in catalytic converters in automobiles.
Catalysts for automobile sector use platinum and
palladium. Automobiles that run on diesel
predominantly use platinum for catalytic conversion.
The chemical inertness and refractory properties of
these metals are conducive for their applications in
electrical, electronics, dental, medical fields and glass
industry. These metals are also used as catalyst in
various chemical processes, viz, in organic synthesis
in hydrogenation,de-hydrogenation and isomerisation,
production of nitric acid as also in the manufacture of
fertilizers, explosives & polymers and fabrication of
laboratory equipment.
Platinum, palladium and a variety of complex
gold-silver-copper alloys are used as dental
restorative materials. The unique properties of
platinum find varied applications in the medical
field. Platinum's excellent compatibility with living
tissue, as it does not get affected by the oxidising
reaction of blood, enables its utility in pacemakers.

13-2

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table 1: Reserves/Resources of PGM as on 1.4.2010

(In tonnes of metal content)
Remaining resources
State

India

Reserves
Total
(A)
-

Karnataka
Odisha

Pre-feasibility
STD 222

Inferred
STD 333

Reconnaissance
STD 334

7.7

6.5

1.5

15.7

15.7

1.5

1.5

1.5

7.7

6.5

14.2

14.2

The primary usage of PGM is

in
chemotherapy for treatment of cancer. It has the
ability to prevent division of certain living cells,
a remarkable characteristic which finds profound
application in treatment of cancer. Besides,
platinum-iridium alloys are extensively used in
prosthetics and biomedical devices.
Platinum's excellent conductivity lends itself
for use in the electrodes of phosphoric acid fuel
c e l l s f o r g e n e r a t i n g e l e c t r i c i t y. A n o t h e r
significant use of platinum and its alloys, in cast
or wrought form is in jewellery. Platinum-iridium
alloys find major application in making crucibles
for growing crystals. Glass made with platinum
and rhodium is used in housing construction, flat
screen televisions, computer monitors, display
panels, automobile displays, factory monitoring
equipment, etc. Recently, a new metallic glass
featuring micro-alloys of palladium with silicon,
germanium, silver, etc. was reportedly developed
at University of California. The glass is
characterised by strength and toughness.
Platinum is used to enhance storage capacity of
devices, such as computer hard discs, cell phones,
digital cameras and personal music players.
Recently, palladium-silver resistors have been
used in secondary lightning surge protection
devices. In electronic industry, palladium's use is
for multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC). The
effect of miniaturisation of MLCC has not reduced
the quantum of palladium used as more number of
MLCC are required for the same electronic device.
Rhodium usage is also on the rise in the
automotive industry apart from fibre glass.

Total
(B)

Total resources
(A+B)

Platinum is the catalyst used by fuel cells to convert

hydrogen and oxygen to electricity. Palladium is
also likely to play a role in fuel cells.

SUBSTITUTES
It is usually easier to substitute metals of the
platinum group for one another, especially in
alloys, than to use alternative materials, which is
evident from the total dominance of rutheniumbased resistors over the palladium-silver resistors
for high-powered applications. Substitutes in
electrical use include tungsten, nickel, silver, gold
and silicon carbide. Alternative catalysts include
nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, chromium, cobalt,
vanadium, silver and rare earths. Rhenium,
however, has been used most satisfactorily as
substitute for platinum as a catalyst in petroleum
refining. Stainless steel and ceramics can be
substituted where resistance to corrosion is the
primary concern. Some motor vehicle
manufacturers have substituted platinum by
palladium in catalytic converters, especially for
petrol engines. Particulate matter and residual
sulphur contaminate palladium and hence, it was
excluded from catalysts used in diesel vehicles.
A new technology now allows up to 25%
substitution of platinum in diesel catalytic
converters with palladium.
Similarly, manufacturers of electronic parts are
also reducing the average palladium content of
the conductive pastes used to form the electrodes
of multi-layer ceramic capacitors, substituting
base metals or silver-palladium pastes which
contain significantly less palladium.

13-3

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table 2 : Details of Exploration Activities for PGM, 2012-13

Mapping
Agency/
State/
District
GSI
Andhra Pradesh
Prakasam

Location/
Area/
Block

Chimakurthi
igneous
complex

Arunachal Pradesh
Anjaw,
Lohit, and Lower
Dibang valley

Chhattisgarh
Jashpur

MayurnachaKanpara
Jhamjhor and
Madhuban
areas
(RaigarhBilaspurSurguja
belt)

Scale

Drilling

Remarks

No. of
boreholes

Meterage

100

269

Reconnaissance stage investigation

(G-4) was carried out for
reapprisal of PGE. The
preliminary whole rock analysis
of 10 petro-chemical samples have
been received out, of which two
pyroxenite samples yielded MgO
value 18.52% and 22.45% respectively, and one luco gabbro sample
yielded MgO value 33.97%. Among
58 BRs samples of pyroxenite, 13
samples have yielded anomalous
value of Cr ranging from 2026
ppm - 3186.5 ppm and 26 samples
yielded value of Nickel from 1006.3
-2055.0 ppm. The preliminary
analysis results have pointed out the
pyroxenite and luco-gabbro/norite
unit are favourable locales for PGE
mineralisation. The work has been
completed.

1:12,500 4 1
1:2,000 2.5

Reconnaissance stage investigation

was taken up to search for PGE
and gold mineralisation. The
analytical result of some of bed-rock
samples shows anomalous value of
Cr i.e 2291 ppm, 3102 ppm and
7658 ppm and Ni 2179 ppm, 2221
ppm, 2314 ppm, 2383 ppm and
2529 ppm. Work will be continued.

270

Reconnaissance stage investigation

(G-4) was taken up. The area
exposes precambrian rocks which
are intruded by basic and ultrabasic
rocks. The available PCs data
indicates that the MgO content in
the ultramafic rocks vary between
18.5%-37.26%. In AFM diagram,
the granites depict calc-alkaline
trend whereas the mafic and ultramafic shows tholeiite trend. The
sample indicates Au content 50 ppb100 ppb, Ni : 4 ppm - 0.22%, Co :
<2 ppm and 385 ppm and Cr : 5
ppm - 0.32% respectively. The
investigation has been completed.

1:12,500

Area
(sq km)

Sampling
(No.)

Reserves/resources estimated

(Contd.)
13-4

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table-2 (Contd.)
Mapping
Agency/
State/
District
Raipur

Location/
Area/
Block

Scale

Drilling

Area
(sq km)
1.8
1.2

Sampling
(No.)

Remarks

No. of
boreholes

Meterage

Reserves/resources estimated

Reconnaissance stage investigation

(G-4) was carried out. Two ultrabasic bodies have been identified in
Chandranagar block namely
Chandranagar (East) and
Chandranagar (West). The
Lohardadar block is mainly
occupied by ultrabasic rock:gabbro
acid volcanic and Chhattisgarh
cover sediments. The analytical
result so far received indicated Cr
value up to 435 ppm and Au value <
50 ppb, The ore microscopic and
SEM-EDX study revealed the
presence of pentlandite, millerite,
chalcopyrite, pyrite, ilmenite and
magnetite in peridotite. The
activity has been completed.

ChandranagarLohardadar
areas
(SonakhanGraniteGemstone
Belt)

1:2,000
1:2,000

Nilambur valley

1:12,500 4 5

90

Reconnaissance stage (G-4)

investigation was taken up
involving mapping and sampling
Aerial reconnaissance and PGRS
studies have been carried out
over 300 sq.km. area with
ErDAS image processing
software. Work will be
continued.

Akeri and Khandewadi

Areas

Reconnaissance stage
investigation (G-4) was taken
up for preliminary assessment
for PGE, Ni & Chromium. An
ultramafic body with
strike length of more than a
kilometer was delineated during
large scale mapping. Disseminations of chromite were recorded.
Another ultramafic rock (composed of serpentine) showed
the presence of nearly 50
micron sized gold grain (under
EPMA). Groove sample yielded
Ni values of 0.2% - 1%. One
sample has yielded significant
PGE value of 275 ppb. A course
grained amphibolite showed the
presence of multiple sulphide
phases viz. pyrrhotite-milleritepentlandite-chalcopyrite. XRD
analysis showed the presence of
tremolite, serpentine, chabazite,
chlorite, nimite(nickel mineral)
jahansite in the ultramafic
rocks. Work will be continued.
.

Kerala

Maharashtra
Sindhudurg

(Contd.)

13-5

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table-2 (Contd.)
Mapping
Agency/
State/
District

Nandurbar and
Dhule

Location/
Area/
Block

Scale

Drilling

Area
(sq km)

Sampling
(No.)

No. of
boreholes

Meterage

Remarks
Reserves/resources estimated

Vadbare,
Shanimandal
and Khondaimali block

1 : 1 2 , 5 0 0 75

Reconnaissance stage (G-4)

investigation was taken up. A
total of 58 dykes have been
mapped with cumulative length
of >90 km. Minor pyrite and
chalcopyrite are present in
some of the dykes in Deccan
trap terrain. SEM-EDX and
EPNA study of selected dyke
rock sample revealed occur
rence of PGE minerals
(Sudburyte hosted in Niccolite)
in Vadbare block and gold
specks in dyke of Shanimandal
block. Work is continued.

Ophiolite
Belt

150

Reconnaissance stage (G-4)

investigation was taken up to
search PGE mineralisation i n volving mapping and sampling.
An area of 150 sq. km was
covered by reconnoitary
geological traverses.
Sulphide mineralisation in the
form of Pyrite and chalcopyrite
was recorded in areas to SE of
T h e w a t i , Luthur and Zongar
road sections. Deep blue stains
possibly of azurite were
observed in Phokpur and Moya
areas. Analytical results of
sample shows values of pt : 2.5
ppb-10 ppb, Pd : 7 ppb-35 ppb,
Iridium: 1.5 ppb-4 ppb,
Ru :1.5 ppb - 6 ppb, Rh : O ppb
- 1.5 ppb, nickel: 1258
ppm-2508 ppm and Cr: 598
ppm - 3939 ppm. Work will be
continued.

KamakshyanagarChandar
Sector

1:12,500 150

100

Reconnaissance stage (G-4)

investigation was carried out in
marginal zone between Eastern
Ghat Mobile belt and Singhbhum
craton to search for potential
of PGE mineralisation.
Activity has been completed.

09

869.80

Nagaland

Odisha
Dhenkanal

Tamil Nadu
Namakkal

T1 and T 2
sectors of
Tasampalaiyam
Block in Sittampundi
Complex.

226

Prospecting stage (G-3) investigation was taken up to prove

the depth persistence of PGE
mineralisation and to evaluate
resource potential. Trench sample
from the chromite and chrome
ferrrous metapyroxenite zone
analysed Pt & Pd values ranging from
0.5 to 2.0 ppm (with occasional high
value of 21 ppm). The investigation
will be continued.

(Contd.)
13-6

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table-2 (Concld.)
Mapping
Agency/
State/
District

Erode

Location/
Area/
Block

Scale

Area
(sq km)

Drilling
No. of
boreholes

Sampling
(No.)

Meterage

Remarks
Reserves/resources estimated

Solavanur
block in
(Mettuppalaiyam
mafic-ultramafic complex)

15

Prospecting stage (G-3)

investigation was taken up to prove
the persistence of the PGE
mineralised zone. As a follow-up
programme, systematic drilling was
carried out to test the depth-wise
persistence of mineralisation at two
levels; 1st level (10 boreholes/30 m
depth) and 2nd level (5 bore holes/
60m depth) at 100 m and 200 m
spacing, respectively. The work
will be continued.

Solavanur
Extension
Block
(Mettuppalaiyam
mafic-ultramafic complex)

0.5

180

Reconnaissance stage (G-4)

investigation was taken up to trace
and prove the persistence of PGE
mineralised meta pyroxenite
bands. A total of 270 cu m of
trenching has been completed and
180 P&T samples collected and
sent for PGE analysis. Work will be
continued.

100

Reconnaissance stage (G-4)

investigation was taken up to map
all ultramafic bodies within
Mettuppalaiyam ultramafic belts
and to assess the PGE potential. A
total of seven mafic, ultramafic
bodies are demarcated with strike
length ranging from 150 m to
1000 m and thickness varying from
10 m to 100 m. A 500 cu.m.
pitting/trenching was carried out.
The work will be continued.

75

120

Reconnaissance stage (G-4)

investigation was taken up to
delineate the potential zone of
PGE mineralisation. A total no. of
13 trenches with cumulative
volume of 230 cu.m. were opened
and yielded rich peridotite bodies.

-do-

-do-

Karattadipalaiyam
Gopichettpalaiyam
Dasampalaiyam
Sector

Tirupur

Tirumankaradu

1:12,500

The work has been completed.

13-7

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

TECHNICAL POSSIBILITIES
The spent converters contain platinum
and palladium in 3:1 ratio, but heavy shift
towards use of palladium to meet stringent
emission controls will change this proportion of
recovery.
The emergence of polymer electrolytic
membrane (PEM) fuel cells developed for
passenger cars and trucks will boost prospects of
platinum in near future by replacing the high
energy battery-operated options for emission
controls. The costs of higher range of driving
and quick refuelling of fuel cells are, however,
10 times more than the cost of petrol engine.
The development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
(SOFC) in Japan will eliminate the use of platinum
converter as it is compact and gives consistent
performance as conversion of conventional fuels
into hydrogen is avoided.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

The mineral processing department of the
Institute of Minerals & Material Technology
(IMMT), Bhubaneswar (CSIR) was envisaging
research focused on recovery of PGE values from
the low tenor hosts like Boula-Nuasahi igneous
complex by adopting suitable beneficiation tests
and development of process flow sheet for
recovery of PGE from Indian ores. The methods
adopted elsewhere in the world perhaps may
not suit in India because the PGE occurs in
oxide of chromium and sulphide facies in very
fine inclusions & exsolution form.

WORLD REVIEW
The largest reserves of PGMs are located
in Bushveld Complex in South Africa. The
world reserves of PGMs are estimated at
66,000 tonnes concentrated mostly in South
Africa (95%), followed by Russia (2%) and the
USA (1%) (Table-3).
The world mine production of PGMs
decreased marginally to 431 tonnes of contained

metals in 2012 from 492 tonnes in 2011. South

Africa continued to be the leading producing
country of PGM, contributing about 59% of
world production, followed by Russia (27%),
Canada (5%), Zimbabwe and the USA (4% each)
(Table-4).
Recycling of PGMs was from three main
sources, i.e., autocatalysts, electronics and
jewellery. Globally, the share of platinum recovery
from autocatalysts increased by 9% in 2012 as
compared to 2011. Similarly, an increase of 10%
in recovery from jewellery was recorded over
2011, whereas recovery from electronic sector
remained static.
In case of palladium, recovery from
autocatalysts slightly decreased as compared to
2011. The recovery from electronics decreased
by 10% and that from jewellery decreased by 9%
over 2011.
Global platinum consumption in jewellery
increased by 12% as compared to 2011. Palladium
consumption in jewellery decreased by 12% in
2012, whereas 7% increase was observed in
autocatalysts industry. About 70% of world
consumption of platinum in jewellery was
contributed by China. The consumption of
platinum in glass industry decreased by 65% to
5,600 kg in 2012.

Canada
SMC continued to make progress on its
Marathon PGM-Copper project in Ontario and
submitted an environmental impact statement. The
mine was designed to produce 6220 kg per year
production based on 91.4 million tonnes of ore
grading 0.83 gm/t Pd, 0.23 gm/t Pt. North American
Palladium Ltd, (Toronto), reported higher production
of Pd & Pt from its Lac des Isles Mine in Ontario.
A new mine shaft was expected to be commissioned.
Vale Inco Ltd recovered 7,810 kg Pd and 4,170 kg Pt
as by-product from its nickel operations in
Sudbury. In addition to this, Vale, Xstrata Plc
produced PGMs as byproduct from nickel mining
operation at Sudbury.

13-8

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table 3 : World Reserves of PGMs

(By Principal Countries)

South Africa
Though South Africa continued to be the
largest producer of PGM in the world, its production
decreased as compared to 2011 due to losses in
production reported by major mines, viz., Mogalkwena
open pit mines, Khuseleka, Siphumelele, Marikana,
Modikwa, Bafokeng-Rasimone and Marula Mines.
Incomplete infrastructure developments, workers'
strikes and violent unrest were main reasons for
the production losses. Platinum Australia continued
with a feasibility of Kalahari Platinum Project and
planned to extract a bulk sample for pilot plant treatment.

Zimbabwe
Amplats Unki Mines reached full production
capacity and produced 2,000 kg of platinum. The
Mimosa Mine of Aquarius and Impala and Impala's
Zimplats mines slightly increased their production in
2012. The Phase -II expansion of Ngezi Mine , including
a third underground mine and a second concentrator
continued and was expected to be completed in 2015.

(In tonnes)
Country

Reserves

World: Total (r ounded)

66000

Canada

310

Russia

1100

South Africa

63000

USA

900

Other countries

800

Source: Mineral Commodity Summaries, 2014.

Note: Figures for Colombia, Zimbabwe included with
other countries.

Table 4 : World Mine Production of PGMs

(By Principal Countries)
(In tonnes of metal content)
Country

2010

2011

2012

481.00

492.00

431.00

Platinum

0.49

0.37

0.43

Palladium

2.83

2.11

2.61

World: Total
Botswana

FOREIGN TRADE
Exports
Exports of platinum alloys and related metals
significantly increased to 1,780 kg valued at
L 21 crore in 2012-13 from 382 kg valued at L 21 crore
in the previous year. Exports in 2012-13 comprised
platinum unwrought, platinum (powder) and platinum
others at 108 kg, 2 kg & 1645 kg, respectively. Export
of other metals of platinum group was only 25 kg, mainly
to Singapore. In 2012-13, 397 kg of platinum-clad base/
precious metals was exported to Malaysia (96%) &
Singapore (3%) (Tables - 5 to 10).

Canada (e)
Platinum

3.60

8.00

7.00

Palladium
6.20
Other platinum metals 0.40

14.00
0.90

12.00
0.80

Russia
Platinum

26.50

26.50

24.90

Palladium

115.70

107.50

89.90

2.20

2.10

2.80

Other platinum
metals
South Africa
Platinum

147.79

148.00

128.59

Imports

Palladium

82.22

82.73

74.73

Imports of platinum alloys and related metals

slightly increased in 2012-13 to 6,188 kg valued at
L 1,203 crore as against 6,129 kg valued at
L 1,173 crore in the previous year. Imports in
2012-13 comprised platinum (powder, unwrought &
others) 3,242 kg, platinum (others) 453 kg and other
metals of platinum group 2,493 kg. Imports were
mainly from the UK (48%), Germany and South
Africa (12% each) and the USA (8% ) Besides, there
were imports of platinum-clad base/precious metals
to the tune of 4 kg in 2012-13. Germany was the
main supplier (Tables - 11 to 17).

Other platinum
metals

57.29

58.11

51.01

USA
Platinum

3.45

3.70

3.70

Palladium

11.60

12.40

12.20

Platinum

8.64

10.83

7.66

Palladium

6.92

8.42

5.90

Other platinum metals 1.53

2.16

2.09

4.17

4.68

Zimbabwe

Other countries

3.64

Source: World Mineral Production, 2008-2012.

13-9

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table 7 : Exports of Platinum (Others)

(By Countries)

Table 5 : Exports of Platinum Alloys &

Related Metals : Total
(By Countries)

2011-12
2011-12
Country
Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)
All Countries

All Countries
UK

382

213172

1780

209126

36

25829

1071

42110

UK
Belgium
Afghanistan

Belgium

184

7093

368

11769

Afghanistan

203

1362

Switzerland

28

69673

Hong Kong
USA
Singapore

2012-13

Country

2012-13

144

24

1791

85

136615

23

18067

23

15615

Germany

35

36267

45429

Israel

33

843

968

Indonesia

728

Other countries

6381

29

1614

USA

Qty

Value

Qty

Value

(kg)

(L'000)

(kg)

(L'000)

222

29279

1645

42282

20778

1066

27351

184

7093

343

11652

197

132

30

1371

19

1441

Sweden

13

598

Italy

Indonesia

728

Japan

344

Ireland

34

Other countries

37

Table 8 : Exports of Platinum (Powder)

(By Countries)
2011-12

Table 6 : Exports of Platinum (Unwrought)

(By Countries)
2011-12
Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

110

115346

108

134662

Switzerland

28

69673

Belgium

25

117

Hong Kong

108

24

1791

Germany

11995

45429

Afghanistan

1230

Israel

33

843

968

UK

28

4871

14077

USA
France

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

20

44274

16453

USA

18

44093

15770

UK

179

683

Other countries

All Countries

2012-13

Country

All Countries

2012-13

Country

37

91150

855

113

Saudi Arabia

256

315

Other countries

6123

94

Table 9 : Exports of Other Metals of

Platinum Group
(By Country)
2011-12

2012-13

Country

All Countries

13-10

Singapore

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

30

24271

25

15729

22

15601

Bulgaria

76

Australia

47

France

30

24271

Other countries

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table 12 : Imports of Platinum

(Powder, Unwrought & Others)
(By Countries)

Table 10 : Exports of Platinum-Clad Base/

Precious Metal
(By Countries)
2011-12

2011-12

2012-13

All Countries

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

362

Qty
(kg)
397

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)
All Countries

556

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

3219

8406188

3242

8859935

911

2383989

1546

4197732

Germany

514

1339024

390

1084775

South Africa

259

669135

389

1116995

USA

270

721674

256

658502

Italy

167

438655

200

533935

Japan

350

908509

127

354922

China

66

177545

121

337052

16660

68

191510

47

122913

32

89386

87

220978

24

70880

542

1407106

89

224246

380

53

Singapore

10

Canada

334

UK

66

Australia

44

Mauritius

31

South Africa

16

Panama Republic

Norway

Bangladesh

Switzerland

Other countries

362

Other countries

Hong Kong

Table 13: Imports of Other Metals of

Platinum Group
(By Countries)

Table 11 : Imports of Platinum Alloys and

Related Metals
(By Countries)
2011-12

Value
(L'000)

UK

Malaysia

2012-13

2011-12

2012-13

Country

Country
Qty
(kg)
All Countries

2012-13

Country

Country

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)
All Countries

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

2078

2657404

2493

2977720

6129 11732833

6188 12030962

1845

3454610

2282

5033328

Japan

431

621932

1141

1353961

Japan

790

1539641

1283

1723065

UK

715

839725

691

796388

USA

472

881357

622

904633

Germany

60

101006

201

297062

Germany

650

1478009

611

1389979

USA

95

107542

195

195751

South Africa

418

867873

500

1246684

Russia

172

184806

120

134747

Italy

331

525020

334

579309

South Africa

154

194430

94

122523

China

291

493715

131

351395

Norway

25

28739

Russia

190

231619

121

135176

Singapore

16828

13

25961

25042

70

193014

China

171

269700

12347

Norway

202

297811

57

118125

Bangladesh

9556

Other countries

932

1938136

177

356254

Other countries

273

321435

685

UK

Hong Kong

13-11

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

Table 14: Imports of Platinum (Others)

(By Countries)
2011-12

Table 17 : Imports of Platinum -Powder

(By Countries)

2012-13

2011-12

Country

All Countries
USA
Italy
UK
Korea, Rep. of
Japan
Germany
South Africa
China
Hong Kong
Belgium
Other countries

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

832
107
164
219
6
9
76
5
54
2
12
178

669241
52141
86365
230895
3569
9201
37979
4309
46469
8381
2700
187232

453
171
132
45
33
15
20
17
4
2
1
13

193307
50380
44710
39208
23045
14183
8142
7167
1996
1504
870
2102

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

1652

4270482

2070

5671294

312

797516

972

2624636

48

126891

338

957158

Germany

229

581873

339

934654

USA

196

511598

208

567864

China

47

126094

120

334590

Norway

47

122913

27

75865

136

346774

21

54525

16

42585

Denmark

30

70957

15

42430

Netherlands

12

32561

14

36987

595

1553305

All Countries
UK
South Africa

Italy
Canada

Other coutnries

Table 15 : Imports of Platinum-Clad

Base/Precious Metal
(By Countries)
2011-12

FUTURE OUTLOOK

2012-13

Country
Qty
(kg)
All Countries
Germany
USA
Thailand
Other countries

7
1
6

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

1435
533
902

4
2
1
1
++

1416
1139
172
104
1

Table 16 : Imports of Platinum -Unwrought

(By Countries)
2011-12

2012-13

Country

All Countries
UK
Italy
Japan
Hong Kong
South Africa
Germany
USA
Switzerland
Egypt
Bangladesh
Other countries

2012-13

Country

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

Qty
(kg)

Value
(L'000)

1567
599
31
140
6
211
285
74
87
134

4135706
1586473
91881
368058
16660
542244
757151
210076
220978
342185

1172
574
179
127
68
51
51
48
24
15
11
24

3188641
1573096
479410
354922
191510
159837
150121
90638
70880
32198
28651
57378

India is not a platinum group of elements

(PGEs) producing country and is meeting its
demand entirely by imports. The demand for PGEs
is expected to touch 80 tonnes by 2017 and may
touch 120 tonnes by 2025, as per the Report of
the Sub Group for 12 th Plan period. Assuming the
success of sustained efforts directed towards
mining of the known resources at BNUC (Odisha)
and development of a beneficiation flow sheet
during the 12 th Plan, a plant of 2 tonnes per annum
capacity can be envisaged by the middle of the
13 th Plan. The Sub Group recommends that the
preparation of beneficiation feasibility report in
this regard may be assigned to any National
Laboratory on priority basis. It expects that an
additional 10-20 tonnes per annum should be
recovered from recycling by 2017.
There has been an increase in demand for
these metals because of increased demand from
the automobile industry and that from the
emerging Asian markets, particularly in China
and India. However, platinum is losing market
share to palladium in petrol-driven engines and
palladium has replaced some platinum in diesel
catalytic converters. The automobile sector plays

13-12

PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM

a crucial role in the demand for platinum. The

Kyoto Protocol on exhaust emissions and the

These metals are poised to play a vital role in fuel

commercial success of the fuel cell technology

development, on which sustained efforts are being

cell is established for which sustained efforts are

made world over are the key drivers for the future
demand of platinum, palladium and rhodium.

PGEs together is less than 600 tonnes with about

About 40% of the world supply of platinum is

consumed by the jewellery sector. Palladium,
rhodium, iridium and ruthenium are used in electronic

cell technology once the economic viability of fuel

being made around the world. As the supply of all
500 tonnes coming from mine production, the boom
in the demand for platinum jewellery and also as an
investment can be expected. South African local
issues, compounded by falling grades, deep mining,

and electro-chemical industries, while osmium finds

applications in the medical field, such as in

etc. are likely to determine whether sufficient

chemotherapy and pace-makers (alloy of Pt and Os).

in turn will dictate future prices.

platinum and rhodium supply can be foreseen, which

13-13