Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Iridium

Iridium (Ir) is a high-criticality platinum group metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Iridium is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Iridium span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Spark plugs for aviation — Iridium plays a vital role in spark plugs for aviation, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Electrochemical catalysts — Iridium plays a vital role in electrochemical catalysts, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Crucibles for crystal growth — Iridium plays a vital role in crucibles for crystal growth, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Hydrogen electrolysis — Iridium plays a vital role in hydrogen electrolysis, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Iridium is spark plugs for aviation, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is electrochemical catalysts, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Iridium in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Iridium is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.