South Africa’s platinum metals and China’s green revolution is merging strongly in Shanghai

South Africa’s platinum group metals (PGMs) and China’s green revolution have come together strongly in Shanghai at a hugely opportune time of changing global trading relationships and energy transition.

“When South Africa’s PGMs meet China’s green revolution, it’s more than a fusion of resources and technology. It’s a conversion of destinies,” World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) CEO Trevor Raymond outlined to the Shanghai Platinum Week, which is underway in China until Friday, July 11.

In addition, South Africa’s Shanghai Consul General Phuti Tsipa highlighted the importance of the merging of the PGMs with which this country has been so abundantly endowed and China’s forceful embrace of these metals that are able to catalyse the cleanest of green electricity.

“The importance of strategic, stable, mutually beneficial, diplomatic and trade relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China cannot be overstated,” Tsipa emphasised at the well-attended event.

When South African miners and fund managers call Shanghai Platinum Week “an unmissable annual event for every PGM professional”, it’s the ultimate endorsement, WPIC Asia Pacific regional head Weibin Deng has commented.

A takeaway from the event is that PGM recycling supply is expected to increase from 33 t in 2024 to 72 t in 2028 in China, where platinum’s diverse properties are increasingly supporting development in markets ranging from fibreglass to investment and jewellery, the sale of which has been rising considerably.