UK Platinum Group Metals Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Metal Type (Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, Osmium), By Applications (Autocatalysts, Electricals and Electronics, Fuel Cells, Glass, Ceramics, and Pigments, Jewelry, Medical, Chemical Industry, Others) and Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The UK platinum group metals market was valued at USD 811.13 million in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 1,269.15 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period (2024–2032).  The UK platinum group metals market is primarily boosted by the surging demand for these metals from the automotive industry in the region. Moreover, with the growing emphasis on sustainability and circular economy practices, there's an opportunity to expand recycling initiatives for PGMs. Recycling not only reduces dependence on primary mining but also addresses environmental concerns associated with PGM extraction, thereby creating opportunities for the UK PGMs market growth.

Highlight

• Palladium dominates the metal-type segment
• Autocatalysts dominate the application segment

Market Dynamics

The UK Platinum Group Metals Market Drivers:

Automotive Industry Demand

The UK's automotive industry is a significant driver of the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) market, particularly for platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are crucial in manufacturing catalytic converters, which reduce harmful vehicle emissions. In 2023, the UK produced over 905 thousand vehicles, highlighting consistent demand for PGMs. Stricter EU and UK emissions regulations further amplify this need, compelling manufacturers to utilize more PGMs to meet environmental standards. For instance, palladium demand surged as it replaced platinum in gasoline engines due to its superior efficiency in reducing nitrogen oxide emissions. This regulatory environment and the automotive industry's scale ensure robust and ongoing demand for PGMs in the UK, reinforcing their critical role in emission control technologies.

The UK Platinum Group Metals Market Restraint:

Availability of Substitute Materials

The UK platinum group metals (PGMs) market is facing a major challenge from the availability of substitute materials. In recent years, the manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs) have frequently used different catalytic converter technologies or none at all, which has led to a decrease in the use of PGMs in catalytic converters.

Similarly, in fuel cell technology, research is now being conducted to replace or reduce the platinum content to improve cost-effectiveness. If these improvements are effective, the PGMs market dynamics could be drastically changed, particularly with regard to hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Also, in the jewelry sector, the demand for traditional platinum jewelry is shifting to modern consumers embracing jewelry created from materials like titanium, tungsten, and even lab-grown diamonds. These substitutes frequently have financial benefits and distinct visual attributes, undermining platinum's long-standing hegemony in the luxury jewelry industry. Consequently, all these factors are estimated to restrict the UK PGMs market expansion.

The UK Platinum Group Metals Market Opportunities:

Recycling and Circular Economy

The growing emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy offers substantial opportunities for the UK's PGM market. Recycling PGMs from end-of-life products, such as automotive catalytic converters and electronic waste, can ensure a stable, eco-friendly supply. The UK has a well-developed recycling infrastructure, with advancements in recovery technologies enhancing PGM recycling efficiency. Companies like Johnson Matthey, based in the UK, are leading in PGM recycling technologies, recovering precious metals from industrial waste and spent products.

Recently, in 2023, Johnson Matthey developed an efficient mass balance accounting approach to provide 100% recycled PGMs. The methodology has undergone evaluation and approval by the Carbon Trust, aligning with industry guidelines established by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Thus, this shift towards a circular economy addresses environmental concerns and reduces reliance on mined PGMs, ensuring a more sustainable market.

Regional Analysis

The UK's PGMs market is influenced by both domestic and international dynamics. Domestically, London serves as a global hub for precious metals trading, with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) setting standards and facilitating trade. The UK's industrial regions, particularly in the Midlands and the North, house key automotive and manufacturing industries that drive PGM demand.

Internationally, the UK is part of a global supply chain, importing significant quantities of PGMs from major producers like South Africa and Russia. Trade policies and international relations with these countries impact the availability and pricing of PGMs in the UK. For instance, geopolitical tensions and sanctions on Russia have implications for palladium supplies, influencing market stability.

The UK government's policies on green technologies and emissions regulations further shape the market landscape. Initiatives to promote electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technology are likely to boost long-term demand for PGMs, particularly platinum. Moreover, Brexit has introduced new trade dynamics, with the UK establishing independent trade agreements that may affect PGM import tariffs and regulations. Thus, the UK's strategic position as a trading hub, advanced industrial base, and strong regulatory environment ensure a dynamic and evolving PGMs market.

Segmental Analysis

The UK platinum group metals market is segmented by metal type and application.

Based on metal type, the UK platinum group metals market is divided into platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, and osmium. 

The palladium segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period. The palladium segment is critical in the UK PGM market, driven predominantly by its use in catalytic converters for gasoline vehicles. Its high efficiency in reducing emissions has led to robust demand amidst stringent environmental regulations and technological advancements.

Based on application, the UK platinum group metals market is segmented into autocatalysts, electricals and electronics, fuel cells, glass, ceramics and pigments, jewelry, medical, chemical industry, and others.

The autocatalysts segment is estimated to own the highest market share and grow at a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period. Autocatalysts, predominantly utilizing platinum and palladium, are essential components in vehicles' exhaust systems, catalyzing the conversion of harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions. As environmental regulations tighten in the UK, the demand for autocatalysts rises steadily.

Recent Developments

• January 2024- Vast Resources plc, a mining company listed on the AIM stock exchange, announced that it signed a three-year marketing deal with a Swiss investment business. This agreement grants exclusive rights to the Swiss company for the sale of high-quality PGM concentrates produced in the European Union.