Platinum demand still outstripping supply. Global demand for platinum has once again outstripped supply this year. This trend has been driven by the automobile industry. This is the fourth year in a row that global consumption of this mineral will be greater than its production levels and according to the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) in a new report, this imbalance could reach a level of 235,000 ounces this year. The start-up of mines in South Africa, which were paralysed by five months of strikes last year and the increase in recycling will not be enough to satisfy this high demand. The car industry alone is expected to consume more than 40% of platinum produced. This economic sector consumes more platinum than any other, except for the jewellery sector. In 2014, this sector absorbed more than 3,000,000 ounces, almost 100 t. In 2015, demand is expected to continue to grow to more than 3.4 million ounces, with strong consumption forecasts in the US and where car sales are at their highest levels for the past eight years, as well as in China, where the car industry is performing at record levels. In the European Union, tougher vehicle exhaust emissions are encouraging manufacturers to develop new higher performing catalytic converters that cut down their gas emissions but which contain more platinum and subsequently encourage increased demand in European countries. (Isabelle Lamberty)