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Platinum and platinum group metals are produced in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Of the multitudes of companies involved in producing platinum group metals in these two countries, these are the principal operators: [ citation needed ]
In 2010, South Africa was the top producer of platinum, with an almost 77% share, followed by Russia at 13%; world production in 2010 was 192,000 kg (423,000 lb). [35] Large platinum deposits are present in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. [36] Platinum exists in higher abundances on the Moon and in meteorites.
American Platinum Eagle, the official platinum bullion coin of the United States. Investment in platinum is often compared in financial history to gold and silver, which were both known to be used as money in ancient civilizations. Experts posit that platinum is about 15–20 times scarcer than gold and approximately 60–100 times scarcer than ...
The second-largest mineral industry in the world is the mineral industry of Africa, which implies large quantities of resources due to Africa being the second largest continent, with 30.37 million square kilometres of land.With a population of 1.4 billion living there, mineral exploration and production constitute significant parts of their economies for many African countries and remain keys ...
The metals of antiquity are the seven metals which humans had identified and found use for in prehistoric times in Africa, Europe and throughout Asia: [1] gold, silver, copper, tin, lead, iron, and mercury. Zinc, arsenic, and antimony were also known during antiquity, but they were not recognised as distinct metals until later.
Mining in South Africa was once the main driving force [1] behind the history and development of Africa's most advanced and richest economy. [2] Large-scale and profitable mining started with the discovery of a diamond on the banks of the Orange River in 1867 by Erasmus Jacobs and the subsequent discovery of the Kimberley pipes a few years later.
Platinum is a particularly useful metal; over a third of the annual world production goes for catalytic converters, and new fuel cell technology depends on it as well. However, when it comes to ...
South Africa is home to 80% of the world's known platinum reserves, and produces about 70% of the world's supply. [1] [2] Platinum prices have been flat since 2009 or so, due to weak demand for catalytic converters, the primary use of platinum in industry. [3] [4] Meanwhile, other costs have risen, putting pressure on the mining industry. [4]