Rhodium is a precious metal that removes pollutants from vehicle exhaust fumes. In February 2020, the price of rhodium was 11,665 U.S. dollars per troy ounce. By May 2020, the price decreased to below 8,000 U.S. dollars per ounce. In April 2021, the price rose to a new high of 28,775 U.S dollars, before decreasing throughout 2022 and early 2023. By December 2024, the average price significantly decreased, reaching around 4,575 U.S. dollars per troy ounce. In comparison, the price for an ounce of rhodium was approximately 5,905 U.S. dollars in August 2022.Â
The rarest metal: Rhodium
Rhodium is a rare and precious metal that belongs to the platinum group metals (PGMs), along with platinum, palladium, osmium, iridium, and ruthenium. Due to its scarcity, it is one of the most valuable metals in the world, often exceeding the price of gold. Rhodium is extensively used in the automotive industry to manufacture catalytic converters that reduce harmful emissions. Over the last few years, even with a steady supply, Rhodium demand has risen significantly, exceeding supply due to stricter emission regulations and advancements in the automobile industry.
The significance of PGMs in South Africa
South Africa is rich in various natural resources, such as metals and minerals. For example, almost all of the total global reserves of PGMs are in South Africa. In 2023, PGMs generated the highest revenue share in the South African mining sector compared to other commodities, amounting to 370 billion rands.