Palladium, rhodium, platinum, copper ore

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Rhodium, abbreviated Rh, is a silver-white metallic element belonging to the platinum group metals. It is both highly resistant to corrosion and highly reflective. Being primarily found in ore bodies combined with platinum, palladium, gold and copper-nickel ores, rhodium is most often produced as a byproduct of nickel and platinum refining.

Since it is one of the rarest metals and has significant utility, the price of rhodium far exceeds that of other platinum group metals and any other precious metal, such as gold and silver. Because of this, Rhodium is considered the world's most expensive precious metal. It's efficiency as a catalyst for converting NO x to N 2 and O 2 is the primary driver of rhodium demand, accounting for approximately 80% of demand. Aside from catalytic converters, some applications using rhodium are as a catalyst for nitric acid, in themocouples, and to coat optic fibers and optic mirrors. Rhodium is also less commonly used as electrical contacts, laboratory crucibles, and in the electrodes of aircraft spark plugs.

South Africa is the majority source of rhodium making up over 80% of total mined rhodium. Russia, Zimbabwe and Canada are the three other top producers, but in far lower quantities. Rhodium and other platinum group metals occur uncombined in nature, as well, in North and South America in river sands. Recycling of catalytic converters from scrapped vehicles is another important source of rhodium. Recycling supplies about 30% of annual rhodium production.