Ruthenium is part of the group of platinum-group metals with palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum. Although its appearance is similar to iridium, it is nevertheless easy to distinguish them by carrying out a few physical tests. These tests are strongly discouraged without the proper tools and equipment. It is produced in mines in South America, North America and South Africa.
Ruthenium and health
Before entering this market, be aware that this metal causes harmful effects to health. Experienced investors know that this transition metal should never be handled with bare hands. The compounds of this metal are highly toxic. They attack the skin and are highly carcinogenic. Once ingested, ruthenium is stored in the bones.
This should not be considered a deterrent to your investment project, since you will not be buying it in raw form.
From the 1940s until the late 1980s, ruthenium was used in atomic tests by major powers. Its use in the automotive industry is very recent.
Evolution of the ruthenium market
Although very rare, the price of ruthenium is still affordable. The ounce is currently trading between 900 and 975 dollars per ounce, a price that is quite reasonable. It should be noted that the ruthenium market is less well structured than that of gold or silver. In addition, you have to be a large investor before the markets open their doors to you. Investments come in the form of futures.
Over recent years, demand for ruthenium has never exceeded that for platinum or palladium, although ruthenium is a much cheaper metal. Admittedly, ruthenium is sought by the automotive industry for its antipollution capabilities, but this is hardly enough to drive up the price of this metal. It is one of the few metals whose price has been stable for years. In other words, one cannot say that this metal is volatile.
No shortage expected?
Current world production does not exceed 12 tonnes, and yet this quota seems sufficient for the industries that use this metal. It seems that this metal is not as popular as palladium or platinum. It is worth recalling that ruthenium is only a by-product of the extraction of precious metals.
One cannot say whether demand exceeds supply, because no data proves it at the moment. Investors will enter the ruthenium market, but not before iridium and palladium mines are completely depleted.