Ruthenium
About Ruthenium
Ruthenium is a platinum group metal used in electronics, particularly as a thin coating in perpendicular magnetic recording hard disk drives to increase data storage density. It is also used in electrical contacts, thick film resistors, and as a catalyst in various chemical processes. Emerging applications in hydrogen production via water electrolysis could significantly increase demand.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Ru
- Atomic Number
- 44
- Category
- Platinum Group Metal
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- South Africa
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Ruthenium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Ruthenium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Ruthenium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Ruthenium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Ruthenium is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Ruthenium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Ruthenium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Ruthenium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Ruthenium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Ruthenium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Ruthenium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Ruthenium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Ruthenium.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.