Platinum Group Metals: Supporting Critical Minerals for Clean Technologies and the Energy Transition

DELKOR BQR flotation cell at Ivan Plats Platinum Mine in South Africa
DELKOR BQR Flotation Cells with MAXGen mechanism for a PGM operation in Southern Africa.

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are essential for emissions control, hydrogen technologies, industrial processes and advanced manufacturing applications. Discover how TAKRAF Group supports PGM operations through advanced transport, handling, processing and water management solutions.

As the demand for critical minerals continues to grow, PGM operations require efficient and sustainable solutions across the entire value chain. Discover how TAKRAF Group is able to support the sector through safe, effective and efficient technologies.

What are Platinum Group Metals?

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) comprise six rare and highly valuable metals: platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. Although produced in relatively small volumes, especially when compared to bulk commodities, these metals play a disproportionately important role in modern industry and emerging clean-energy technologies.

Their unique catalytic properties (their ability to speed up a chemical reaction) make them essential for a variety of applications, ranging from emissions control and chemical production to hydrogen technologies and advanced performance materials. As industries continue to pursue lower emissions and increased efficiency, PGMs remain critical minerals for the future.

 

Why PGMs matter

The importance of PGMs extends far beyond their rarity.

Emissions Control

PGMs are key components in catalytic converters, helping reduce harmful emissions from vehicles and industrial processes.

Hydrogen Economy

PGMs play a critical role in electrolyzers, fuel cells and hydrogen production technologies, making them increasingly important for the development of future energy systems.

Chemical Industry

Many chemical and refining processes rely on PGM-based catalysts to improve efficiency, productivity and product quality.

Advanced Performance Materials

Thanks to their exceptional resistance to heat, wear and corrosion, PGMs are used in high-performance industrial and technology applications.

Challenges in PGM mining

PGM deposits are often associated with complex ore bodies and technically challenging processing routes.

Mining companies must address several key challenges, including:

  • Complex mineralogy requiring efficient liberation and recovery
  • Increasing ESG requirements, sustainability expectations and
  • pressure to improve water and energy efficiency
  • Project economics influenced by capital intensity and commodity price volatility

Furthermore, while the rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) threatens traditional PGM applications, hybrid technology and the expansion of the hydrogen economy create new opportunities. At the same time, declining mine production, disruptions in recycling and investor hesitation continue to complicate the supply landscape, resulting in a highly dynamic market.

Addressing these challenges requires integrated solutions that improve operational performance while supporting responsible resource use.

How TAKRAF Group supports PGM operations

TAKRAF Group supports PGM operations through technologies and expertise across the value chain. Capabilities include:

By combining the strengths of TAKRAF and DELKOR, mining companies benefit from integrated solutions that support efficiency, reliability and sustainability across their operations.

an infographic that shows the importance and meaning of platinum group metals

Proven in practice

A strong example of TAKRAF Group's capabilities in the PGM sector is the application of DELKOR BQR flotation cell technology equipped with the proprietary MAXGen mechanism at a major platinum operation in Southern Africa. 

The project is expected to become one of the world's largest producers of PGMs and other metals.

DELKOR’s BQR Flotation Cell technology was selected to support metallurgical performance and maximize metal recovery in a complex PGM application. 

The successful deployment of this flotation solution highlights the role of advanced processing technologies in improving operational efficiency and recovery performance, while reinforcing TAKRAF Group's position as a trusted partner for PGM projects.

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This article is part of our “Critical Minerals and Solutions” series, exploring the key commodities and technologies driving the energy transition and how TAKRAF Group supports their sustainable development.

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