The growth in demand for platinum applications in China is extremely high, making detailed access to the China market hugely advantageous.
HYDROGEN AND EXTENDED RANGE ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Even ahead of the agenda being finalised, it is already patently clear that hydrogen is going to be a big feature across the conference, along with growing use of PGMs in the semiconductor industry and in the extended range electric vehicle segment, WPIC research director Edward Sterck spelt out in the same Zoom interview.
Extended range electric vehicles are battery electric vehicles that also have internal combustion engines that effectively recharge the battery and extend the range of travel.
Most extended range electric vehicles have ranges of about 1 000 km on full battery charge and full fuel tank, and their exhaust treatment systems continue to contain PGMs.
PLATINUM AS PART OF RETIREMENT INVESTMENT
Chinese investors have known platinum for many years as a jewellery and with more people saving for retirement, having platinum as part of a retirement investment makes a lot of sense.
There are no platinum mines in China and having platinum on Chinese soil is seen as a good idea.
“We know that supply growth and demand growth don't always match, so we've encouraged the Chinese policymakers to recognise the importance of platinum investment demand, and of having more platinum metal on Chinese soil as a certain support to the industrial use of platinum over time.
“Having the Shanghai Platinum Week on the global calendar is probably ideal timing. The four-year gestation period has certainly been well worth it and we look forward to Shanghai Platinum Week becoming something that is really helpful to investors around the world and participants in the broader PGM industry,” said Raymond.
Following the Shanghai Platinum Week, international participants will be taken to meet a number of the hydrogen-related companies in the Shanghai region, and they will also be given an opportunity to meet and converse with Chinese policymakers.
