On Friday, London-listed chemicals and sustainable technologies multinational Johnson Matthey announced a strategic agreement with the international precious metals mining group Sibanye-Stillwater to develop solutions for the sustainable use of critical minerals such as platinum group (PGMs) and battery metals.
Metals matchmaking
Johnson Matthey is a leading global producer of technologies for clean hydrogen, fuel cell products, next generation battery materials and solutions for the decarbonization of chemicals manufacturing. It is currently the world’s largest fabricator and recycler (secondary refiner) of PGMs, which (due to their unique chemical properties) play a key role in low carbon technologies that will enable the path to global net zero targets. Specifically, PGMs are used in electrolyzer technologies for producing green hydrogen (i.e. hydrogen produced from renewable energy, without emitting greenhouse gases), and are also a key component of fuel cells in EV batteries.
Sibanye-Stillwater is the world’s largest primary producer of platinum and rhodium, the second largest primary producer of palladium and a top tier gold producer, ranking third globally, on a gold-equivalent basis, as well as a significant producer of other PGMs and associated minerals, such as chrome. It is also the leading global recycler and processor of spent PGM catalytic converter materials.
Together, Johnson Matthey and Sibanye-Stillwater will focus on technological innovations to ensure more sustainable global supply chains. This will include joint sourcing and application of PGMs and metals used in battery technology. The companies also plan to combine their extensive expertise in metals recycling to improve current technologies, particularly for “difficult to recover” materials.
Delighted
“We are delighted to enter into this world-class partnership which further advances our commitment to creating a greener future, by developing technologies for a better tomorrow, utilizing the metals we produce,” Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman said in an official comment. “Fast-tracking green technology and working together to achieve ESG excellence will enable us to continue to improve lives and the environment.”
“We are excited to bring together our complementary expertise to help secure a more sustainable future for tomorrow’s industry,” added Johnson Matthey CEO Robert MacLeod.
News from Finland
Last month, Sibanye-Stillwater announced a significant equity investment in Finnish battery metals producer Keliber Oy, whose largest current shareholder is the Finnish Minerals Group (FMG), which manages the Finnish state’s mining industry holdings. Keliber is located in the Kaustinen region of Finland, one of the most significant lithium-bearing areas in Europe, and regarded as an attractive, low-risk mining jurisdiction. Finland recently developed a National Battery Strategy setting forth objectives for the country to become a competitive, competent and sustainable player in the international battery industry.
In addition to the rapid rise of Europe as a hub for EV battery manufacturing, Keliber’s location in Finland enables efficient transport of lithium hydroxide to European customers. Per the terms of the investment agreement, Sibanye-Stillwater will assume a 30 percent equity shareholder in Keliber Oy, with a guaranteed option to obtain a majority shareholding based on the results of a mining feasibility study over the next 18-24 months. The Keliber investment marked Sibanye-Stillwater’s first strategic move into the battery metals sector, which will complement its leading market position in PGMs.
