Platinum-group metals

The six elements of the platinum group – ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum – are referred as platinum-group metals (PGM). Enrichment of PGM occurs in deposits of several types developed in a limited range of geological settings, commonly associated with nickel and copper. Underground extraction uses a variety of standard mining methods depending on the characteristics of the orebody. The catalytic properties of the PGM are the basis of their most important applications in emission control systems and in industrial process catalysts. The durability of PGM in use, combined with their recent high prices, has ensured a growing interest in using them efficiently and recycling them whenever possible. Some of the PGM compounds, particularly certain PGM-chlorinated salts, are both highly toxic and allergenic, and DNA damage due to PGM exposure has been reported.