New collaboration to develop high-impact PGM technologies and drive the next wave of industrial innovation

  • Johnson Matthey (JM), Sibanye-Stillwater, and Valterra Platinum launch a new programme to develop innovative technologies enabled by Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) – versatile, high-performance metals that can power solutions to global challenges and unlock new industrial growth. 
  • The collaboration brings together leading PGM producers and world-class R&D and industry expertise to accelerate the journey of new PGM-based products and technologies from research lab to commercialisation.

The programme aims to broaden the applications of PGMs far beyond their current use. Around 60% of global PGM supply is used in catalytic converters, that reduce harmful emissions from internal combustion engines (ICE). This multi-million-pound, multi-year collaboration will explore and scale technologies that capitalise on the exceptional performance and durability of PGMs as well as their robust, circular supply chains.

Liz Rowsell, Chief Technology Officer at Johnson Matthey, said: “PGMs are critical to the modern economy, so it's important we are innovative and ambitious in our efforts to find new applications for these incredible metals.

"By coming together, we're able to create a unique ecosystem to explore opportunities where PGMs could provide even more benefits and progress the technologies that best support the PGM industry and the global economy.”

The collaboration, expected to expand with additional partners in the coming months, will explore uses across multiple sectors including clean hydrogen, enhanced emissions detection and reduction across stationary and mobile sources, new electronic materials, and high-performance alloys and other advanced materials.

Richard Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Sibanye-Stillwater, commented: “We are pleased to be partnering with JM and Valterra on this critical market development initiative. We believe that this collaboration should successfully develop alternative industrial applications for PGMs, securing and diversifying future demand. The focus will be on the entire basket of PGMs and developing a better supply and demand balance for the basket of metals.”

Craig Miller, CEO of Valterra Platinum, commented: “PGMs have extraordinary potential, and through this collaboration with JM and Sibanye-Stillwater, we can accelerate innovation that will better our world. This reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable pipeline of PGM-enabled technologies that will define the next era of demand.”

 

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