Entire Annual Report - Anglo American Platinum

Platinum Market Review" (continued)PLATINUM’S MAJOR APPLICATIONS INTHE CHEMICAL MARKET SECTORINDUSTRIALApplicationNitric acid productionProductsNitrogenous fertilisersExplosivesIndustrial demand for platinum rose by some 105 000 ouncesin 2000 to an estimated 1,46 million ounces, with strongoff-take from the electrical and glass sectors.Process catalystsBulk and specialitychemicalsChemicalIndustrial DemandThe use of platinum in catalysts for the manufacture ofspeciality silicones constitutes the largest portion of demandin the chemical segment. Speciality silicones are usedfor adhesives in the paper and construction industries.The growth in demand for platinum in the chemical sectorin the past few years can also be attributed to the increasein paraxylene production capacity, particularly in the Eastand Saudi Arabia. Paraxylene is used in the production ofpurified terephthalic acid (PTA). The use of platinum in thenitric acid industry declined in 2000 on account of theclosure of several facilities, particularly in Europe. Nitricacid is used predominantly in the production of fertilisers,and over the past few years declining demand has beenexacerbated by the excess supply of inexpensive productsfrom countries of the former Soviet Union.ElectricalStrong growth in personal computer sales, coupled withincreasing memory capacity requirements, led to anestimated 90 000-ounce increase in platinum demand inthe electrical sector. The use of platinum to enhance storagecapacity increased in 2000, with an estimated 90% of allcomputer hard disks containing platinum. In other electricaluses, an increase in steel output in 2000 resulted in anincrease in demand for platinum-containing thermocouples.INDUSTRIAL DEMAND for platinum rose by some 105 000 ouncesin 2000 to an estimated 1,46 million ounces.38