Nornickel (Norilsk Nickel), the world’s largest palladium producer, has unveiled an ambitious strategy to expand the metal’s role in high-tech industries, particularly in the fields of energy, electronics, and green technology, at the 8th annual PGMs Industry Day in Johannesburg.
The event, held on 3 April 2025 and chaired by industry veteran Bernard Swanepoel, brought together leading platinum group metal (PGM) producers, end-users, and policymakers to discuss critical sector challenges, including evolving demand amid the global energy transition.
South African Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau delivered a keynote emphasising the country’s strategic vision for its PGM resources. The minister highlighted the need for collaboration between the state and industry partners to navigate complex global markets, seize emerging opportunities, and develop PGMs into engines of growth and job creation for a sustainable future.
A major discussion point at the event was the future of PGMs in automotive markets, as the rise of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) threatens traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) demand for palladium and platinum. However, industry leaders noted growing opportunities in fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), where platinum plays a critical role, and in emerging electronics applications.
Nornickel’s research suggests that palladium-based alloys could outperform pure platinum or rhodium in certain applications, offering cost and performance advantages. The company is also exploring recycling innovations to secure long-term supply sustainability.
The company’s Palladium Centre, launched to accelerate innovation, has already developed 25 palladium-based products, with plans to expand its portfolio to over 100 projects by 2030.
Speaking at the conference, Dmitry Izotov, CEO of Nornickel’s Palladium Centre, emphasised the potential in hydrogen energy, solar tech, biofuels, and advanced electronics, where palladium alloys can enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
“Our goal is to become a technological partner for producers of PGM-based products. We focus on identifying applications where palladium delivers a strong competitive edge, bringing together leading scientific teams to develop prototypes, conducting large-scale industrial trials, optimising the product, and transferring the technology to manufacturers.” said Izotov “This approach allows us to create more efficient materials and open up new markets for palladium applications.”
With Russia and South Africa dominating global PGM supply, discussions at the event highlighted the need for geopolitical risk mitigation. Nornickel emphasised its diversified supply chain and commitment to stable deliveries globally.
Nornickel is actively seeking global partnerships to commercialise its palladium technologies, targeting collaborations with scientists, manufacturers, and end-users. The company estimates that its innovations could generate 40–50 tonnes of additional annual palladium demand by 2030, opening new revenue streams beyond traditional markets.
