CATALYSTS FOR CARS



Catalysts For Cars



Catalysts F0r Cars

Supply And Demand

The global demand for platinum rose by 1.2% to 6.78 million ounces in 2006, supported by an increase in the use of this metal for auto catalysts. The demand in 2007 is expected to grow to a record 6.93 million ounces. on a global scale, the automotive market represented more than 60% of demand with 4.24 million ounces in 2007 (4.20 million ounces in 2006). The European consumption of platinum for auto catalysts reached 2.16 million ounces in 2006. For 2007 this is estimated to be 2.11 million ounces, or 30% of global platinum demand. (Report for ActionAid 2007 10)

About 90% of the European demand for platinum in auto catalysts is used in diesel cars. The two main reasons for the continuous increase of the use of platinum in auto catalysts are the stricter European emissions legislations, and the relative increase of diesel engine cars. In Europe, 52% of all new light duty vehicles are now diesel-powered. The sales of vehicles in Europe continue to stay on the same level. (Platinum 2007 123)

Global supplies of platinum climbed in 2006, rising at a slightly faster rate than demand, to reach a total of 6.79 million ounces. South Africa contributed 5.29 million ounces (78%) to this supply, of which AngloPlatinum produced 2.82 million ounces (54% of South African supply and 42% of global supply). For 2007 it was expected that supply would fall with 2% to 6.66 million ounces. The South African contribution was expected to be 5.22 million ounces, of which AngloPlatinum would produce 2.62 million ounces (39% of global supply). Reasons for the decrease in supply were safety issues, labour strikes and other labour problems. (Jaguar 2004 12)

Platinum group metals are traded on the global market. This is a complicating factor in tracking the source of the platinum. Metals traded on the global market vary in the degree to which they are processed, and include recycled platinum as well as manufactured catalysts.

Recycling

Globally, the recovery of spent auto catalysts increased with 85,ooo oz. to a record of 855,ooo oz. in 2006. This amounts to about 20% of the global platinum demand for auto catalysts. (Report for ActionAid 2007 10)

Remarkably, Europe is lagging behind in platinum recycling. While Europe accounts for about half of the global platinum demand for auto catalysts, Europe recycled only 185,ooo oz. (22% of global recycling). In Europe, recycled ...