PGE

The platinum group elements (PGE) comprises six transition metals: platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), osmium (Os), and iridium (Ir). PGE have similar physical and chemical properties and tend to occur together. PGE have many applications with the majority of these being industrial/ Their main use is in catalytic converters. PGE are also largely used in electronics to increase storage capacities of devices and for other functionalities. In the chemical industry PGE (platinum and rhodium) are used to manufacture specialty silicones and to make nitric oxide, the raw material for fertilizers, explosives, and nitric acid. In the petrochemical industry, platinum-supported catalysts are used to refine crude oil and to produce high-octane gasoline. Other applications include their use in glass manufacturing, coating for industrial crucibles, jewelry (platinum), medical implant, cancer-fighting drugs, and stock exchange. Most of the world’s PGE are concentrated in magmatic ore deposits, particularly in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, usually associated with copper and nickel mineralization. PGE placer deposits can be formed from the erosion of primary PGE-enriched rocks, followed by transport and accumulation of the PGE-enriched sediments. There is a gap between the world PGE production and demand and efforts are made to attempt to close that gap through recycling. To date, almost all known PGE production and resources are associated with only three geological features, which highlights the need for more PGE exploration. PGE are on Canada’s 2021 critical minerals list, meaning that they are essential to Canada’s economic security.