Palladium is needed for vehicle catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions

The main product of the Suhanko mining project is palladium, a precious metal belonging to the members of platinum group metals. Besides being rare, it is an important material for the automotive industry. It is used in catalytic converters in petrol and hybrid cars to reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

The automotive industry is under increasing pressure to assist in mitigating climate change. As electric car manufacturers continue to increase their market share, traditional internal combustion engine makers are looking for ways to reduce toxic exhaust gases that pollute the atmosphere.

The catalytic converters in cars can convert the harmful components of exhaust gases from combustion engines into less harmful compounds, thus contributing to better air quality. An essential element for this process is palladium.

Palladium is a soft, silver-coloured and non-toxic metal, resembling platinum. It has the smallest density and lowest melting point of all platinum group metals. Palladium is also known for its ability to absorb hydrogen.