Refining & Grade Specs

Rhodium Refining Methods and Grade Specifications

The transformation of Rhodium concentrate into refined products suitable for industrial use requires specialized metallurgical and chemical processes. Rhodium is refined into 3 primary commercial forms, each serving specific end-use sectors.

Refining Processes

The primary refining and processing pathways for Rhodium include:

1. PGM base metal refinery
2. Selective precipitation
3. Ion exchange

Product Forms and Grade Specifications

Refined Rhodium is available in the following commercial forms, each with specific purity requirements:

Quality Standards and Benchmarks

International standards for Rhodium products are established by organizations such as ASTM International and various national standards bodies. Pricing is referenced against Johnson Matthey/LPPM assessments. These standards define minimum purity levels, acceptable impurity limits, and testing methodologies that facilitate international trade.

Refining Capacity and Geography

Global refining capacity for Rhodium is concentrated in a limited number of countries. South Africa controls approximately 80% of primary production and plays a significant role in downstream refining. Efforts to diversify refining capacity are a key priority for governments seeking to reduce supply chain dependencies, particularly in the three-way catalytic converters sector.