The platinum group of minerals are attractive targets for exploration due to their attraction of rare, high value precious metals as well as their major industrial uses.

The principal uses of the platinum group of minerals are based on their properties of refractoriness, chemical inertness at elevated temperatures, and excellent catalytic activity. The Republic of South Africa and the (former) USSR account for over 90% of world production. The auto industry accounts for 40% of annual platinum use. The USA and Japan are the two principal consumers, with the latter consuming almost half of the world platinum supply.

South African politics, investment demand, and the volume of Soviet exports are the three major factors that impact platinum prices.

The continuing introduction and extension of auto emission regulations worldwide is expected to boost platinum demand by the automobile industry. Although demand is rising at a fast pace, total platinum supply has been rising at an even faster rate. This oversupply could lead to weaker platinum prices in the short-term. But, in the long-term, demand for platinum and the platinum group of minerals should continue to grow worldwide given the strong demand for a cleaner environment.