2024-08-02 21:51:48
What is rhodium?
He borna lustrous and corrosion-resistant metallic element, stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable metals in the world. Its properties make it highly sought after for various industrial and commercial applications. It is used in the automotive industry, but also in high-end jewelry, where it enhances the brilliance of gems. But it is also very difficult to obtain.
The presence of rhodium in the Earth’s crust rarely exceeds 0.001 grams per tonne of rock, according to an article by mineral experts José María Gonzales and Fernando Gervilla in The Conversation.
There are no rhodium mines
This metal is so difficult to obtain that there are no rhodium deposits; it is instead a by-product of mining other metals such as platinum and palladium. There is also no primary rhodium mine.
According to experts, mineral deposits containing rhodium are related to phenomena that have caused the breakup of large continental masses, which has allowed the rise of magmas located in very deep areas.
Rhodium is usually obtained in particles. Photo: Alchemist-hp
Where can rhodium be found?
The largest amount of rhodium has been found in the igneous complex of Bushveldin South AfricaIn this country, rhodium is extracted along with platinum and palladium, “from masses of nickel and copper sulfides and chromium oxides contained in basic and ultrabasic natural rocks,” The Conversation reports.
The Bushveld Igneous Complex is considered the cradle of platinum group metals in South Africa. Photo: Oroinformación
Other places where there are also deposits from which rhodium is extracted in smaller quantities are Zimbabwe, the United States and RussiaRhodium is also obtained as a by-product of nickel mining in Canada.
On the other hand, although South America Although it is not known to have significant rhodium production compared to other countries, it is presumed that there is rhodium mining in places where platinum is mined, such as in deposits in Colombia and Brazil.
It is worth mentioning that, in mid-2022, the Venezuelan Ministry of Mining Development published a press release indicating that there are rhodium deposits in the state of Bolívar, in Venezuelan territory. However, this metal is not yet part of the reserves of the country’s Central Bank.
The discovery of rhodium dates back to 1803. Photo: Market.
South America in the history of the discovery of rhodium
The discovery of rhodium dates back to 1803, it was found by the English chemist William Hyde Wollastonin South America, according to PubChem, a chemical information platform of the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
The story goes that Hyde extracted rhodium from a platinum sample he obtained in South America. The expert removed the platinum and palladium, leaving behind a dark red powder that turned out to be rhodium and sodium chloride.
The chemist then treated the combined metals with hydrogen gas and managed to isolate rhodium for the first time. The name he gave it derives from the Greek word rhodon, meaning rose.
Technological innovation
The main use of rhodium is in the manufacture of converters for vehicles, which are the catalysts for reducing harmful emissions of exhaust gases from cars, according to the specialized portal New Age Metals. Thanks to its high melting point, this metal is not affected by high temperatures.
The main use of rhodium is in the manufacture of vehicle converters. Photo: Inspenet.
Its resistance to corrosion and oxidation also makes rhodium an ideal material for protective coatings in jewelry and in the chemical industry.
On the other hand, its high reflectivity property makes this material useful in the manufacture of mirrors and reflectors, as well as in the electronics industry for reflective surface coatings.
Which countries are prohibited from exporting rhodium?
Rhodium is a rare and valuable precious metal used in a variety of industrial applications, especially in automotive catalytic converters. The export of rhodium is not prohibited in most countries; however, it may be subject to specific regulations and restrictions depending on the country and international trade policies.
The largest amount of rhodium has been found in the Bushveld igneous complex in South Africa. Photo: El País Uruguay
It is important to note that rhodium production is limited and concentrated mainly in a few countries, such as South Africa, Russia, Canada and Zimbabwe. These countries may impose export controls or taxes to regulate the market and protect their national interests, but this does not amount to a complete ban on export.
What is the rhodium extraction process?
The extraction of rhodium, a rare precious metal, is a complex process that typically involves several steps. Rhodium is often mined as a byproduct of mining and refining other metals such as platinum and palladium. Here is an overview of the typical steps in the rhodium extraction process:
Rhodium is extracted as a byproduct of mining and refining other metals such as platinum and palladium. Photo: Thermo Fisher.
- Mining: Rhodium is commonly found in ores along with other platinum group metals (PGMs), such as platinum and palladium. Mining of these minerals can be done in open pit or underground mines, depending on the depth and location of the deposit.
- Concentration: Once the ore is mined, it is crushed and ground to create a fine pulp. A flotation process is then used to concentrate the PGM-containing minerals, separating them from other unwanted materials.
- Roasting and melting: PGM concentrates undergo a roasting process to remove impurities such as sulfur. They are then melted in an electric arc furnace or converter to produce a matte containing the platinum group metals.
- Refinement: The matte undergoes a further refining process to separate the different PGMs. This may include techniques such as electrorefining, solvent extraction or chemical precipitation.
- Rhodium Extraction: Rhodium is extracted from PGM solution by specific chemical processes, which may include solvent extraction or selective precipitation. Since rhodium is a very rare metal, its extraction requires careful control and precision to ensure purity and effective recovery.
- Purification: The mined rhodium undergoes a further purification process to remove any remaining impurities and obtain pure rhodium, which is used in various industrial and jewelry applications.
Which countries have the highest demand for rhodium?
Demand for rhodium, a rare precious metal used primarily in vehicle catalysts, the chemical industry, and jewelry making, is high in countries with large automotive and manufacturing industries. Major consumers of rhodium include:
- ChinaAs the world’s largest automobile producer and one of the largest consumer markets, China has significant demand for rhodium for use in vehicle catalytic converters and other industrial applications.
- USAWith a large automotive industry and strong demand for technological and manufactured products, the United States is another major consumer of rhodium.
- JapanKnown for its advanced automotive industry and technology sector, Japan requires rhodium for catalytic converters and various electronic applications.
- Germany: Home to some of the world’s largest and most prestigious car manufacturers, Germany has considerable demand for rhodium for vehicle and technology production.
- IndiaWith a rapidly growing automotive industry and expansion in manufacturing, India is also increasing its demand for rhodium.
These countries lead the demand due to their industrial sectors that require rhodium for the production of catalysts, which are essential for reducing vehicle emissions, and for other technological and chemical applications. Demand is also influenced by global economic factors, environmental regulations, and technological development affecting the automotive and manufacturing industry.