Lifezone Achieves 99%+ PGM Recovery from Spent Catalytic Converters, Milestone for Hydromet Technology
Perth‑based Lifezone Metals has successfully recovered platinum, palladium and rhodium from US‑sourced spent automotive catalytic converters with over 99% recovery for Pt and Pd and 95% for Rh. The hydrometallurgical process could replace traditional smelting and, if scaled, produce 220,000 ounces of PGMs annually, potentially boosting U.S. supply and reducing import dependence.
Perth‑based Lifezone Metals has successfully recovered platinum, palladium and rhodium from US‑sourced spent automotive catalytic converters with over 99% recovery for Pt and Pd and 95% for Rh. The hydrometallurgical process could replace traditional smelting and, if scaled, produce 220,000 ounces of PGMs annually, potentially boosting U.S. supply and reducing import dependence.
In the short to medium term, the breakthrough may signal a future increase in PGM supply, which could exert downward pressure on platinum, palladium and rhodium prices. Traders should monitor the timeline for commercial deployment, as the immediate price impact is limited until the plant becomes operational.