Press release —
Valterra Platinum and Umicore's Metal Deposition Solutions launch R&D collaboration for next-generation PGM electroplating technologies
- Valterra Platinum and Umicore’s Business Unit Metal Deposition Solutions (MDS) have entered a multi year R&D and commercialisation partnership focused on developing platinum group metal (PGM) solutions for industrial applications of electroplating
- The collaboration will help develop new opportunities for PGMs, supporting long term market development beyond the automotive sector, particularly catalysts
Valterra Platinum and Umicore MDS have commenced a new collaboration to accelerate the development and commercialisation of PGM based electroplating technologies aimed at high value industrial applications.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating new, sustainable sources of demand for PGMs as the automotive landscape continues to evolve. It builds upon many years’ experience of industrial collaboration, and expanding engagement with fabricators, by Valterra Platinum.
Under the agreement, Valterra Platinum will invest up to EUR2.5 million over an initial three year period and will work alongside Umicore MDS to advance technologies from laboratory research towards commercial readiness. Umicore MDS will contribute equivalent value through R&D services, drawing on its deep expertise in materials chemistry, surface technologies and industrial scale up.
The initial R&D programme will concentrate on high speed platinum electroplating, particularly in the electronics segment such as connector applications. This application represent a sizeable market in which platinum could provide a competitive, cost effective and durable alternative to gold, which has current industrial demand of more than 300 tonnes per year. Additional projects and strategic partners may be introduced over time.
Craig Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Valterra Platinum, said: “As one of the world’s leading PGMs producers, we are focused on building sustainable, long term demand for PGMs by partnering with industry leaders who can turn innovation into reality. Umicore’s expertise in surface technologies and commercialisation makes them an ideal partner to unlock new PGM applications in electronics and other opportunity areas. This collaboration reflects our disciplined approach to market development and our belief in the power of targeted, high quality partnerships.”
Michael Herkommer, Vice President of Umicore’s Metal Deposition Solutions, added: “Valterra Platinum has a clear vision to establish platinum as an attractive material for a broader range of industrial sectors beyond its traditional markets. At Umicore MDS, as a global leader in precious metal-based surface finishing solutions, we bring our expertise and market insight required to identify emerging trends and translate them into scalable processes. This partnership allows us to focus on the targeted development of innovative solutions that will result in platinum coatings that match the performance of other precious metal finishes while offering significantly improved economic efficiency.”
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About Umicore Metal Deposition Solutions
Umicore's Business Unit Metal Deposition Solutions (MDS) is part of Umicore Group. The business unit harbors two business lines Electroplating and Thin Film Products. MDS is one of the world's leading suppliers of products for (precious) metal-based coating of surfaces in the nano and micrometer range – with the expertise of the two areas, we combine the two highest-quality processes: electroplating and PVD coatings.
MDS's solutions are used in many products for everyday use, and in some cases their production would not be possible without them. Almost all well-known manufacturers in the electronics, automotive, optics and jewellery industries purchase components that have been coated with our Umicore products, either directly or indirectly.
In addition to development and production, Metal Deposition Solutions offers a comprehensive service for its products. This includes not only advice and technical support on site, but also recycling and precious metal management.
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About Valterra Platinum
Valterra Platinum Limited is one of the world’s leading integrated producers of platinum group metals (PGMs) with a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange. With a portfolio of world class, long-life mines and the most efficient processing assets in the industry, the Company responsibly mines, smelts and refines PGMs and associated co-products from its operations located in South Africa and Zimbabwe. With its integrated value chain, supported by marketing hubs in London, Singapore and Shanghai, the Company delivers tailored solutions for its customers. The Company continues to integrate sustainability into everything it does, supports investment in its mining and processing capabilities and pursues market development activities to grow and commercialise new demand segments. It also makes a meaningful impact to communities around its operations and will deliver consistent and superior returns to shareholders. Valterra Platinum is committed to zero harm, capital allocation discipline and delivering on our value-accretive strategic priorities as a standalone, leading integrated PGM producer, guided by our purpose of unearthing value to better our world.
