Explore Real-World Uses of Palladium and Discover Why Its Price Is Sky-High
When most people think of precious metals, gold usually comes to mind.However, this rare precious metal often exceeds gold in value – and for good reason. It plays a vital role in industries such as automotive, electronics, and jewellery.
This silvery-white element plays a key role in catalytic converters, helping reduce harmful emissions. Its demand keeps rising, while global supply remains limited, making it one of the most expensive metals on the market.
In this article, you’ll learn what palladium is used for, why its price remains high, and how metal recycling in London and Slough supports its sustainable use. By choosing to recycle, we reduce the need for mining and help protect the environment.
What Exactly Is Palladium?
Palladium is a rare, silvery-white precious metal from the platinum group. While less famous than gold or platinum, it plays a vital role in many modern technologies.
It is mainly mined in Russia, South Africa, and Canada as a by-product of nickel and platinum. Still, its supply remains limited. In 2020, global production reached just over 210,000 kg – far less than the annual gold output.
6 Major Uses of This Rare Metal
1. Catalytic Converters – Today, car manufacturers use over 50% of global output of this metal in catalytic converters. These parts reduce harmful exhaust emissions by turning dangerous gases into cleaner substances.
2. Electronics – Palladium improves electronics by enhancing conductivity and stability. Engineers use it in capacitors, electrodes, and microchips, especially in smartphones, solar panels, and computers.
3. Hydrogen Storage and Purification – Because palladium absorbs hydrogen, it helps store and purify hydrogen in energy systems. This function supports the growing clean energy sector.
4. Jewellery – Jewellers choose palladium jewellery for its strength, light weight, and hypoallergenic properties. Many designs use it pure or combine it with white gold.
5. Dentistry – Dentists use small amounts of palladium in certain dental alloys. However, due to environmental concerns, this use is now declining.
6. Fine Art Photography – Photographers sometimes apply palladium to prints for rich tonal quality and long-lasting images in fine art.
Why Does Palladium Cost So Much?
Palladium’s high cost stems from its limited supply and growing industrial demand. Unlike other materials, it cannot be easily substituted in catalytic converters or high-precision electronics.
Additionally, mining operations can’t meet market needs fast enough. Therefore, prices surge, especially as emission standards tighten and clean tech advances.
Recycling helps – but only if we recover palladium from used materials.
Can We Recycle Palladium?
Fortunately, you don’t have to mine palladium to access it. You can recover it from:
- Old electronics
- Scrap car parts
- Dental equipment
- Jewellery with white gold alloy
At Metal Scrap Ltd, we collect and recycle valuable metals like palladium. Our services cover both commercial and domestic scrap recycling across London, Slough, and surrounding areas.
Recover Palladium with Metal Scrap Ltd
Palladium’s price reflects its rarity and importance in today’s technology. But rather than buying new, we can recover it from used materials.
If you have electronics, car parts, or other scrap items, contact Metal Scrap Ltd in Slough or London. We’ll help you safely recycle palladium, maximise the value, and support sustainable metal use.
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