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Platinum

Platinum is a dense, silvery-white precious metal with the chemical symbol Pt and atomic number 78. It belongs to the platinum-group metals (PGMs), which also include palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. Platinum is highly resistant to corrosion and heat, making it valuable for industrial applications as well as investment and jewellery. The metal is primarily used in autocatalysts for vehicle emissions control systems, accounting for a significant share of global demand. Other major applications include jewellery manufacturing, particularly in Asia, and industrial uses such as petroleum refining, electronics, medical devices and glass production. Platinum is also traded as a commodity on global markets, with prices influenced by supply constraints, automotive demand, investment flows and broader economic conditions. The metal is rarer than gold and is mined predominantly in South Africa and Russia, with smaller production from Zimbabwe, Canada and the United States. Platinum's dual role as both an industrial metal and a store of value means its price can be volatile, responding to shifts in automotive production, environmental regulation, currency movements and geopolitical risk. Investors access platinum through physical bullion, exchange-traded funds and futures contracts.

Latest Articles in 60 Seconds

PIC raises Valterra Platinum stake as new demand debate intensifies

The Public Investment Corporation has increased its holding in platinum group metals (PGMs) miner Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, to nearly 20.07%, ahead of second-quarter production results due July 17. Sibanye-Stillwater executives have meanwhile highlighted the need for new longer-term PGM applications as autocatalyst demand faces a structural crossroads from electric vehicle adoption, even as hybrid vehicles and potential green hydrogen uses could sustain or lift demand towards the mid-2030s.

Mintek showcases fire assay and processing expertise for PGM industry

At its PGM Industry Day, Mintek detailed its fire assay capabilities as the bedrock method for quantifying PGMs in Merensky, UG2, Platreef and other South African reefs, while flagging a skills shortage and moves towards gas furnaces to reduce heat exposure. The 92-year-old State-owned research organisation, based in Randburg, continues supporting an industry facing declining grades and complex ores.

Sibanye-Stillwater appoints new investor relations head

Sibanye-Stillwater has appointed Emma Chapman, previously investor relations and ESG head at Anglo American Platinum, as investor relations senior VP from September 1, succeeding James Wellsted, who moves to the group transformation office.

Platinum Updates


Photo of Martin Creamer
To combat climate change, green molecules are needed in addition to green electrons
10th July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

“If we look at how the economy is carbonised, an electron can only decarbonise between 60% to 70% of the economy.” This important point has been emphasised by SLR Consulting Power Sector Lead... 


Niel Lourens- VP Cyclones and Spirals
Precision in every particle: Multotec’s spirals and cyclones redefine separation efficiency
9th July 2026 By: Haydon Whitley

In an era where accuracy and efficiency define mineral processing performance, Multotec is advancing the science of separation through its high-efficiency spiral concentrators and cyclones.... 


LHM converts lift shaft to ventilation shaft at platinum mine – in record time
LHM converts lift shaft to ventilation shaft at platinum mine – in record time
9th July 2026

In a remarkable engineering achievement, LH Marthinusen (LHM) successfully transformed an existing mine lift shaft into a fully functional ventilation shaft for a platinum mine, completing the... 


A gold bar
JPMorgan sees $4 500 gold price in fourth quarter, says risks to downside
6th July 2026 By: Reuters

JPMorgan said demand for gold from key sectors would not be as strong as it had expected, limiting the rise in gold prices this year to $4 300/oz in the third quarter and $4 500/oz in the fourth... 


Platinum bars
PIC buys more Valterra shares
3rd July 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Asset manager the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has acquired additional securities in platinum group metals (PGMs) miner Valterra Platinum, taking its interest in the mining company to nearly... 


Photo of Martin Creamer
On-The-Air (03/07/2026)
3rd July 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Martin Creamer discusses South32’s conditional agreement to sell Hillside Aluminium to Alcoa; Sibanye-Stillwater calling for new longer-term platinum group metal applications; and DRDGOLD’s... 


Emma Chapman
Sibanye-Stillwater appoints new investor relations head
1st July 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Mining and metals company Sibanye-Stillwater has appointed Emma Chapman as its new investor relations senior VP, effective September 1. Chapman will succeed James Wellsted, who, in support of the... 


Resources Watch
Resources Watch
1st July 2026

This week: $870m ilmenite beneficiation project enters construction phase at Richards Bay IDZ; New longer-term platinum metal applications needed, Sibanye-Stillwater headlines and,... 


South Africa's economic recovery entering uncertain phase amid growing pressure
30th June 2026 By: Schalk Burger

South Africa’s economy remains on a recovery path, but rising global pressures and cost dynamics are slowing momentum and reshaping the outlook for the months ahead, says professional services firm... 


McCreedy West mine
Magna Mining reaches new quarterly tonnage record at McCreedy West
30th June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

TSX-listed copper, nickel and platinum group metals producer Magna Mining has achieved record quarterly tonnage at the McCreedy West mine, in Sudbury, Ontario. The mine shipped 91 724 t of ore from... 


Mintek supervisor: applied chemical analysis Nehemiah Mukwevho.
Attributes of platinum group metals explicated at Mintek PGM Day
30th June 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Platinum group metals (PGMs) have several properties that make them critical everyday-life minerals, Mintek supervisor applied chemical analysis Nehemiah Mukwevho explicated during his presentation... 


Mintek principal scientist Dr Nthapo Sehlotho.
Mintek outlines how value can be added to South Africa’s PGM mining industry
26th June 2026 By: Martin Creamer

South Africa's national mineral research organisation Mintek on Friday, June 26 spelt out how it can add value to South Africa’s platinum group metals (PGMs) industry. At its corporate head office... 


The Bakubung mine
Wesizwe to undertake phased restart of operations at Bakubung
26th June 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Platinum group metals miner Wesizwe Platinum will embark on a phased restart of operations at its Bakubung mine, in the North West, from next week, subject to the conclusion of a memorandum of... 


An image of the PIC at Bambili Energy
PIC conducts oversight visit to South African hydrogen technology company
26th June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) chairperson Dr David Masondo on June 24 visited HyPlat, a Cape Town-based subsidiary of emerging South African hydrogen technology company Bambili Energy.... 


SA's platinum assets, hydrogen fuel cell tech, green molecules make headlines
SA's platinum assets, hydrogen fuel cell tech, green molecules make headlines
26th June 2026

Mining Weekly Editor Martin Creamer notes that Sibanye-Stillwater’s CEO has declares the company’s South African platinum assets the ‘world’s best’; he discusses Deputy President Paul Mashatile's... 


a mini excavator
Automation, efficiency drive equipment demand
26th June 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

Productivity, automation, safety and sustainability initiatives are increasingly shaping investment decisions in South Africa’s earthmoving and surface mining equipment sector, says diesel engine... 


CREAMER MEDIA: PROJECTS IN PROGRESS 2026
Projects in Progress 2026
26th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

South Africa’s economy continues to face challenges, including slow growth, high unemployment and pressure on important services such as electricity, transport and water. New infrastructure... 


Sibanye-Stillwater COO Richard Cox.
Sibanye-Stillwater’s mass of metal ‘probably one of planet’s biggest’
24th June 2026 By: Martin Creamer

This is an incredible endowment and we are executing a deliberate strategy to extract more value from every single square metre of our resource base, an ebullient Sibanye-Stillwater COO Richard Cox... 


Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau
dtic exceeds investment target by 44%, talks up vast economic potential
24th June 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

During his budget vote address on June 23, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau noted that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and its entities attracted... 


An image of gold
Gold central bank demand to persist – Heraeus
22nd June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Gold’s characterises and the demand for this precious metal make it an excellent reserve asset; therefore, central bank demand is likely to continue to persist into the future, Heraeus Precious... 


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pqt: 0.294s - ct: 0.385s - 288pq - 2rq
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