The six platinum group metals (PGMs) occur together in nature alongside nickel and copper.

South Africa is the world's leading platinum producer and the second largest palladium producer after Russia where production is concentrated in the Norilsk region.

All of South Africa's production is sourced from the Bushveld Igneous Complex, which hosts the world's largest resource of PGMs. In addition to platinum and palladium, these mines also produce rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, gold, silver, nickel, copper, cobalt, ammonium sulphate and sulphuric acid as by-products.
Platinum and palladium have the greatest economic importance and are found in the largest quantities. The other four - iridium, rhodium, ruthenium and osmium - are produced only as co-products of platinum and palladium and are never likely to be mined for their own sake.

It is a capital and labour intensive industry, taking up to six months, and requiring 7 to 12 tonnes of ore to produce one troy ounce (31.135 grammes) of platinum. Companies are investing heavily in exploration and production facilities to ensure the future supply of these vital metals. more >>