The third annual survey of commercial aspects of the platinum group metals has just been published by Johnson Matthey. Well supported by statistical data, “Platinum 1987” concentrates on the events of 1986 that affected the six platinum group metals, and outlines the prospects for 1987, and beyond. Compiled from numerous sources, the 63 page review considers exploration and mining, prices, supply, major uses of the metals, demand for different purposes—and in the case of platinum and palladium demand by geographical region. While the emphasis is on these two metals, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium are also included.

In a year when the requirement for platinum for automobile emission control catalysts first exceeded 1 million troy ounces, and when the electronic industry in Japan consumed 750,000 troy ounces of palladium, record levels of demand for platinum, palladium and rhodium were closely matched by supplies of primary metals.

Readers of Platinum Metals Review who do not have ready access to a copy of “Platinum 1987”, and who wish to receive one, should write to the compiler: Mr. G. G. Robson, Johnson Matthey P.L.C., New Garden House, 78 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JP.