The Market Overview of Rhodium and its Demand

Rhodium: what is it?

Rhodium is a chemical element with the atomic number 45 and the symbol Rh. It is a fairly uncommon, hard, stony, corrosion-resistant transition metal. It belongs to the platinum group and is a noble metal. There is just one naturally occurring isotope in it, 103Rh. Rhodium is occasionally discovered as a chemical compound in minerals like bowieite and rhodplumsite, although it is typically found as a free metal or in alloys with other comparable metals. It is one of the most expensive and rarest precious metal.

Production of Rhodium through PGM Ore

From its ore, rhodium metal is extracted. It is created as a by-product of the platinum group of metals' processing (PGM). The PGM ore is initially used to precipitate the noble metal. This residue is then subjected to sodium bisulfate treatment before being melted to produce rhodium sulphate. Rhodium hydroxide is created later by treating rhodium sulphate with sodium hydroxide.

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Additionally, rhodium hydroxide is mixed with hydrochloric acid to create a refined acid solution of rhodium(H3RhC|6). Ammonium chloride and sodium nitrite are both present in this solution, which causes it to precipitate. Finally, hydrochloric acid is used to dissolve and heat the generated rhodium precipitate, which burns away any remaining impurities to produce pure rhodium metal.

Rhodium Price Trend and Why is it Rising?

Rhodium's price increased by 63% in just the first three weeks of January, reaching USD 9,850 per ounce, or over six times the price of gold. When it will re-touch the ground is uncertain.

Demand from automakers is rising sharply. The automobile sector accounts for more than half of the world's rhodium demand.

The material aids in the transformation of dangerous gases in an automobile's exhaust system, such as carbon monoxide, into less damaging compounds before they exit the tailpipe, together with platinum and palladium. Carmakers are becoming even more interested in these metals as a result of tougher pollution rules around the world. Platinum's prices have remained largely steady while platinum has reached a record high.

The disparity is due to a shift in manufacturing away from diesel engines, which require more platinum, and toward petrol and hybrid vehicles, which typically use more palladium in their converters. Hence, Rhodium production cost is witnessing a surge significantly.

Regional Outlooks:

Europe to Lead, Supported by Increasing Use in Jewelry Manufacturing

The market for rhodium is predicted to expand significantly in Europe. The increased production of this metal for use in jewellery is blamed for the surge.

During the projection period, Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the second-largest market share for rhodium. The market expansion in the Asia Pacific will be boosted by the rising product use in chemical manufacturing.

The increase in North America is primarily attributable to the product's rising demand in the electrical and electronics sector.  Due to the adoption of the product in the catalyst application, the Middle East and Africa are predicted to have significant growth.

Market Drivers

Rhodium is in high demand for a number of applications, which is projected to support market expansion. Due to its hard qualities, it is employed in jewellery items as a protective covering that helps guard jewellery against any outside damage. The substance works well as a blowing agent in furnace coils, electrodes for aircraft spark plugs, and laboratory crucibles.

Product demand will increase as a result of rising consumer expenditure on jewellery combined with expanding product development. These factors will therefore fuel market expansion over the course of the forecast period.

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Rhodium reduces the number of nitrogen oxides in exhaust fumes, which is why it is predominantly used in automobile catalytic converters. Additionally, it has been used as a catalyst in the chemical industry for carrying out hydrogenation reactions such as those that result in the creation of acetic acid, nitric acid, and other acids. The coating of optical mirrors, thermocouple elements, crucibles, and headlight reflectors is further used. It is also utilised as an electrical contact material due to its low electrical resistance and good corrosion resistance.

Key Players in the Market of Rhodium

• Glencore
• Vale SA,
• Sibanye Gold Limited,
• Russian Platinum,
• Northam Platinum,
• Anglo American Platinum,
• Norilsk Nickel,
• Sibanye-Stillwater,
• Sharretts Plating Company
• DF Goldsmith.

The blog covers the cruciality of an immensely uncommon and primely essential element and how its production cost and price trends have recently impacted. Procurement Resource helps businesses with a wide array of compounds encompassing a range of industries. It has made a name for itself concerning the strategic nuances, procurement plans, and thorough evaluation of various commodities.

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