Humanoid Robots Fuel New Demand for South Africa's Platinum Group Metals

The rise of humanoid robots is creating new demands for platinum group metals (PGMs), a key sector in South Africa's economy. According to Northam Platinum CEO Paul Dunne, the 'skin' that coats these robots requires platinum and silicone, which is cured by platinum. This new source of demand did not exist just a few years ago.

Humanoid robot production reached 16,000 units in 2025, with China accounting for over 80% of this total. The industry's focus has been on copper demand, but the use of PGMs is also significant. 'You need silicone for the skin of a robot and you need platinum to cure the silicone,' Dunne said.

The catalyst for PGM demand was the 1970 US Clean Air Act, which triggered a surge in demand for auto-catalysts. South African producers are searching for new applications and markets for their product, with companies like Johnson Matthey partnering with Sibanye-Stillwater and Valterra Platinum to drive R&D.