Refining & Grade Specs

Ruthenium Refining Methods and Grade Specifications

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

Refining Processes

The primary refining and processing pathways for Ruthenium include:

1. PGM refinery separation
2. Distillation of RuO4
3. Hydrogen reduction

Product Forms and Grade Specifications

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

Quality Standards and Benchmarks

International standards for Ruthenium products are established by organizations such as ASTM International and various national standards bodies. Pricing is referenced against Johnson Matthey 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 Ruthenium is concentrated in a limited number of countries. South Africa controls approximately 85% 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 hard disk drive coatings sector.