A year ago Johnson Matthey published “Platinum 1985”, the first of a new series of annual surveys of the world of platinum and the other five metals of the platinum group. This was designed to complement Platinum Metals Review by providing a comprehensive survey of the commercial aspects of these metals, including their supply and demand, international markets, major applications and related aspects, with supporting statistical data.

The second of these annual reviews, “Platinum 1986”, has now been published. This concentrates on the events of the previous year, when the supply of primary platinum increased from 2,470,000 oz in 1984 to 2,510,000 oz, and in the same period demand in the Western World increased from 2,630,000 to 2,810,000. As the first of a series of occasional articles on topical subjects it includes a four page survey on fuel cells as a potential source of electrical power and as a major outlet for platinum.

Copies of “Platinum 1986” may be obtained from Mr. G. G. Robson, Johnson Matthey P.L.C., New Garden House, 78 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JP.