The Iridium Market
An introduction to iridium
Iridium demand is highly diversified, led by electrochemical (chloralkali process electrodes), with crucibles for melting electronic materials, catalysis and alloys with other PGMs in jewellery and medical products significant too.
Iridium has recently performed strongly and the metal is well established in several processes and components where it will be quite difficult to substitute out. However, prospective end-users remain wary of committing to a metal perceived as having limited long-term supply and a track record of volatile prices.
SFA (Oxford) is the only company in the world to have derived iridium mine production volumes and developed detailed demand modelling of all major end-uses to provide an authoritative view of the current and future iridium market.
Latest news and insights
Where next for palladium?
14 September 2021 | Stephen A. Forrest, Beresford Clarke
Read SFA's latest edition of The Palladium Standard which discusses current palladium market dynamics, price outlook, and feature articles from selected players, as well as our latest platinum and rhodium outlooks.
Russia’s new cash cow
8 July 2021 | Prof. Paul Chaisty
SFA's Associate, Dr Paul Chaisty, Professor of Russian and East European Politics, St Antony's College, University of Oxford, discusses Russia's decision to impose export duties on the Russian export industry.
Rand strength could help lift the platinum price
31 January 2022 | SFA (Oxford) & Heraeus – Edition 2
Outlook 2022 – Markets normalising in 2022
24 January 2022 | SFA (Oxford) & Heraeus – Forecast
Iridium and ruthenium were the only winners in 2021
17 January 2022 | SFA (Oxford) & Heraeus – Edition 1
Low-cost PGM ounces from Zimbabwe reaching record levels
13 December 2021 | SFA (Oxford) & Heraeus – Edition 44
Iridium in context, 1995 to 2021
Iridium supply-demand balance
| koz | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021f |
| Primary supply | |||||||||
| South Africa | 175 | 155 | 225 | 225 | 220 | 225 | 230 | 175 | 245 |
| Russia | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 20 |
| Zimbabwe | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 25 |
| Other | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 230 | 210 | 280 | 275 | 275 | 275 | 280 | 225 | 295 |
| Demand |
|||||||||
| Jewellery | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Hydrogen | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Industrial demand | |||||||||
| Automotive | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 35 |
| Chemical | 70 | 75 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 85 | 85 |
| Electrical | 35 | 40 | 65 | 65 | 75 | 70 | 75 | 70 | 75 |
| Other | 35 | 35 | 35 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 40 | 45 |
| Total | 180 | 190 | 210 | 225 | 235 | 230 | 240 | 235 | 255 |
| Market balance | |||||||||
| Balance | 50 | 20 | 70 | 50 | 40 | 45 | 40 | -10 | 40 |
Source: SFA (Oxford). Updated November 2021.
Linked iridium market reports
In response to requests for more regular iridium market intelligence, we now produce a bespoke quarterly iridium market report that allows you to keep up to date with this market.
The Iridium Market Outlook to 2025
A comprehensive quarterly report on iridium market fundamentals and integration of future technologies for new and existing end-users.
Green Hydrogen Metals Market Outlook
A proprietary report unlocking the current and future demands for precious metals (Pt, Ir, and Ru) used in electrolysers and fuel cells for the hydrogen economy.
Heraeus Precious Appraisal and Market Spotlights
In collaboration with Heraeus, this weekly report makes sure all the key precious metal and macroeconomic developments are fully analysed by the SFA team.
Global PGM Project Monitor Outlook
DCF scenario modelling analysing the attractiveness of global PGM projects based on incentivised PGM pricing which can motivate new supply.
Long-term PGM Supply Appraisal Outlook
An evaluation on future supply risk from mines and projects around the world, and the economic cost of production.
Global PGM Mine Depletion Assessment
Analytics on the PGM primary production landscape, assessing estimated depletion rates of mines and projects, forecasting ounce loss.
Meet the Iridium team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.
Dr Jenny Watts
Head of Clean Energy & Sustainability
Alex Biddle
Senior Mining Analyst
Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant
Yolandé Fourie
Senior Consultant Metallurgist
Nelsa Martins
Consultant Metallurgist
How can we help you?
SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.