PGMS Inc. - platinum

The Process

admin — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 12:20:17 -0500

The process of manufacturing a catalytic converter is lengthy and complex. After the part is defined by the engineering department of the Client, PGMS, Inc. will develop and implement a sourcing plan that provides the requisite amount of PGM’s when and where they are needed for production of the part. Based on this plan, the PGM’s are purchased from suppliers (mines, recyclers, etc) and consigned (or sold) to the catalyst manufacturer for use in the manufacture of parts.

PGMS, Inc. manages all pre-production activities (developing specifications, process FMEA’s and Control Plans, validation of measurement systems, etc.), production launch and regular production. Standard AIAG practices are followed, with modifications tailored explicitly for the catalyst manufacturing process. The catalyst manufacturer applies the required amount of PGM’s onto the parts and reports to PGMS, Inc. the amounts actually used (with additional pertinent manufacturing quality statistics) on a production Lot basis. Parts are then consigned (or sold) up through the supply chain, and the finished converters or hot-end assemblies are delivered to the engine manufacturer.

Differentiation

admin — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 21:27:08 -0500

How is PGMS Inc. different from "full service" converter manufacturers?

PGMS Inc. offers a unique business process. While other companies can manage portions of the manufacturing process, only PGMS Inc. offers independent, end-to-end management and accountability of PGM assets. PGMS Inc. is the only independent company that offers full service management and asset protection providing transparency, accountability, accessibility and efficiency throughout the process from purchase of the PGM’s to receipt of the finished catalyst element, converter assembly or hot-end exhaust assembly. Key elements of our service are the rigorous tracking and auditing of the catalyst manufacturer. Physically auditing the catalyst manufacturer to validate PGM usage in the manufacture of parts is an essential part of the management of PGM’s.

Platinum Drops Most in Almost 18 Years as Investors Doubt ETF

admin — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 19:05:57 -0500

Platinum Drops Most in Almost 18 Years as Investors Doubt ETF

By Feiwen Rong and Danielle Rossingh

Nov. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Platinum slumped the most in almost 18 years in London, wiping out two days of gains, as some investors doubted the prospect of an exchange-traded fund being introduced for the precious metal.

Platinum, used in jewelry and car-exhaust systems, dropped when speculation about an ETF attracted skepticism that supply may not be enough to support a fund similar to those already available for gold and silver. So-called ETFs purchase and store metal, allowing investors to trade assets without owning them.

US Commodities: Platinum Tumbles On Liquidation

admin — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 19:02:48 -0500

US Commodities: Platinum Tumbles On Liquidation

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Platinum futures closed lower Wednesday when lease rates fell and liquidation occurred, while gold and silver futures gave up early gains.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, platinum has been the big mover in the precious metals lately. Traders have linked the movement to options-related activity and unsubstantiated rumors about a platinum exchange-trade fund. One day after the January futures nearly hit a life-of-contract high when they peaked at $1,289, the contract settled down $65.10 to $1,154 an ounce.

December gold initially rose to $635 a troy ounce but backed off to settle up 30 cents at $629.

Platinum producers not too keen on ETF

admin — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 20:01:44 -0500

Platinum producers not too keen on ETF

By Justin Brown

Johannesburg - The world's largest platinum producers yesterday gave the thumbs down to talk of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) due to the low liquidity in the platinum market and fears that an ETF could overheat an already tight global market for platinum.

Over the past two years, investors have poured $10 billion (R72 billion) into gold ETFs, including the ETF listed on the JSE.

There is also a silver ETF listed in the US.

Anglo Platinum's commercial director, Sandy Wood, said the group was not keen for there to be an ETF launched and such a vehicle would cause platinum stock to be locked up.

Platinum pares early gain to end lower, gold rises

admin — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:41:32 -0500

NEW YORK, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Platinum turned south to end lower on Tuesday, as speculation buying and stronger physical demand failed to hold momentum after the metal opened sharply higher for the second day in a row.

Sources said that speculation based on the launch of a platinum exchange-traded fund has become over-inflated, and the lack of liquidity explained the more volatile market.

NYMEX January platinum futures had soared as much as 4 percent to a high of $1,285.00 in earlier trading. It dropped $15.20, or 1.23 percent, to close at $1,219.10. Spot platinum fetched $1,230.00/1,235.00 an ounce, lower than Monday's late quote of $1,251/1,256.

Platinum Climbs to Peak Level, Shares of Miners Rally

admin — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:39:55 -0500

Platinum Climbs to Peak Level, Shares of Miners Rally

NEW YORK (AP) -- Platinum climbed to an all-time high on the New York Mercantile Exchange Tuesday, sending shares of platinum miners sharply higher.

The metal, which is more rare than gold, touched $1,402.50 an ounce in earlier trading -- well ahead of its record $1,335 an ounce set in May. The price of platinum for January 2007 delivery later came down to about $1,225.

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Shares of Montana-based Stillwater Mining Co. jumped $1.03, or 8.4 percent, to $13.31 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Canada's North American Palladium Ltd., which produces both platinum and palladium, saw its shares rise 37 cents, or 4.2 percent, to $9.20 on the American Stock Exchange.

Platinum prices hit 25-year high

admin — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:38:14 -0500

Platinum prices have hit highs not seen for more than 25 years, driven by growing demand for the metal in cleaning car exhausts.

Prices have risen nearly 130% over the past four years and now stand at more than $950 per troy ounce.

World demand for platinum is currently outstripping supply.

It is a key component for catalytic converters in car engines, and use is growing as pollution rules are toughened.

Russia and South Africa are the two main producers of platinum.

Those in the metals markets will have noticed the push into metals and I think we'll see more of that
Douglas McWilliams

Platinum prices hit record high

admin — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:36:01 -0500

The cost of platinum has hit a record high on rumours that a market is to be opened up allowing traders to speculate on the price of the precious metal.

Prices touched $1,402.50 per troy ounce on the London market, before falling back to $1,390. The previous record of $1,340 was set in May.

Platinum is a key component for catalytic converters in car engines.

World demand is currently outstripping supply and prices have risen 50% in the past year alone.

This is largely due to it being a very limited resource which has an industrial application.

Industrial downside

Russia and South Africa are the two main producers of platinum and its use in catalytic conversions is growing as pollution rules are toughened.

Platinum Links

admin — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 12:09:24 -0400

Other information sources on platinum group metals

Johnson Matthey's Platinum Today

Definitive platinum group metals information resource site with excellent background on supply and demand as well as price information.

http://www.platinum.matthey.com/

British Geological Survey

UK Government sponsored site providing information about mineral exploration, mining, production and trade

http://www.bgs.ac.uk

Platinum Guild International

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Completes Exploration Requirement Early

admin — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 10:43:57 -0400

Vancouver, BC, Johannesburg, South Africa, April 10, 2006 -- Platinum Group Metals (TSX:PTM) announced today that it has completed its required 35 million Rand (approximately US$5.8 M) project expenditure in the Western Bushveld Joint Venture more than three years ahead of schedule. PTM (37%), Anglo Platinum (37%) and Africa Wide Mining (26%) have approved a 30.9M Rand (US$5.0 M) 2006 budget, which includes 40,000 metres of drilling and engineering work with the target of completing a bankable feasibility study.

"Over the past fourteen months we have accelerated the Western Bushveld Joint Venture due to the successful delineation of near-surface resources, as announced March 2, 2006," said R. Michael Jones, President. "In conjunction with our JV partners, we have been able to move the project forward quickly towards a feasibility study."

platinum mines

admin — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 10:41:28 -0400

In 2005, 22 mines owned by eight companies were producing platinum group metals as a primary product, 18 of which are in South Africa, while a further three operations in Russia and Canada were producing substantial amounts as a by-product of nickel. Although some 19 platinum group metals projects were being developed or were under consideration in 2005, most were being reassessed because of the strong Rand in South Africa, and political uncertainty in Zimbabwe.

Primary supply of the three principal platinum group metals (platinum, palladium and rhodium) was an estimated 440t in 2004, comprising 45% platinum 50% palladium and 5% rhodium. Supply between 1990 and 2004 increased at an average year-on-year rate of 5.3%.

autocatalyst platinum

admin — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 10:39:38 -0400

Autocatalysts continue to drive demand for platinum and palladium [contents]

The growth, from a very small base in the mid 1990s, of the Chinese markets for platinum and palladium in jewellery and, to a lesser extent, in autocatalysts is probably the most significant feature of the world platinum group metals (PGM) industry in recent years. In 2004, Chinese jewellers purchased some 31t of platinum and 22t of palladium, representing about 45% and 77% respectively of world PGM demand for jewellery, and almost 12% of world PGM demand. Demand for platinum and palladium is expected to grow by about 3%py and 5%py respectively up to 2010.

Our Services

admin — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 02:14:45 -0400

Platinum Group Metals Services

Tracking PGMs and auditing washcoaters are ESSENTIAL to protecting your assets

Our procurement services include sourcing PGMs from producers based on the Client’s projected needs. As market experts, PGMS Inc. will utilize spot buys on market dips, as well as our relationships with suppliers, to lower the cost of PGM’s. We will establish and maintain a strategic PGM reserve, and use these reserves to hedge against market fluctuations. PGMs from the strategic reserve can also be leased to generate income.

The management of PGM’s throughout the supply chain is a key part of the PGMS Inc. management process. PGMS Inc. develops the contracts and commercial terms and then puts these agreements in place with the suppliers. PGMS Inc. ensures that PGM’s and up-stream products are delivered on time for each step of the manufacturing process. From start to finish, PGMS Inc. tracks the Client’s PGM’s and manages the process such that the Client receives parts with the PGM’s that were specified, on time for the next step in the manufacturing process.

About PGMS Inc.

admin — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:18:57 -0400

PGMS Inc. is a Nevada corporation that specializes in the purchasing, hedging, managing and tracking of platinum group metals (pgm) used in catalytic converters.

Platinum Group Metals Services (PGMS Inc.) has:

30+ years experience with the most advanced catalytic converter/PGM producer and user

Purchased over $450 million PGMs in the last 2 years
30+ years worldwide experience purchasing platinum group metals for major automotive manufacturer
Chemist/engineer highly respected in the industry
Outstanding relationships with all major PGM suppliers, washcoaters, and canners.
System developed and used to ensure proper levels of PGM usage, prevent skimming, and protect your assets

Managed over 5 Million Troy Ounces on more than 60 million pieces of coated parts

PGMS Inc. offers a unique patent-pending business process. While other companies offer only portions of a solution, only PGMS Inc. offers end-to-end management and protection of assets for PGMs. A key competitive differentiation of PGMS Inc. is we are the only company that offers full service management and asset protection providing transparency, accountability, accessibility and efficiency throughout the process from purchasing the PGMs to receiving the finished converter. Other companies fail to track items such as PGM usage, loadings, and dollar expenditures per part. However, our patent-pending system tracks exact PGM usage and loadings for every part produced. A key element in our service is the rigorous tracking and auditing of washcoaters. Physically auditing washcoaters to validate the PGM content being loaded on parts is an essential part in managing PGMs. Whether complete management service or a simple purchase, PGMS Inc. provides protection of assets and cost savings that no other company can offer.