As platinum just start down the road to recovery, analysts are already warning that supply threats are likely to boost the metals price to new highs. Platinum prices may climb above $1,500 an ounce “in the next couple of years” as demand recovers amid supply constraints in South Africa, the world’s biggest producer, according to Banc of America Securities- Merrill Lynch.
Platinum prices, already on the positive track, got a boost this week from declining greenback and the announcement of GM’s Bankruptcy. GM’s bankruptcy is by no means a positive for platinum, as the auto industry accounts for approximately half of global platinum demand; however, platinum’s price has been reflecting the impending bankruptcy for many weeks.
Platinum declined last week; and continued the trend this Monday as uncertainty over the future of US automaker GM put the metal’s near future demand outlook into question. In the current state of the economy, the auto industry is unable to lend support to platinum; but the metal may get some relief from rising safe haven appeal.
Monday’s equity market rally switched precious metals to a negative track. As equities rose, the precious metals were less enticing to investors, and this was reflected in their value. Platinum for April delivery ended the session in New York down $14.20 to $1,049.40 per troy ounce.
Platinum has bounced more than 30 percent since plunging to a five-year low of approximately $732 an ounce in October. This ascent is occurring despite the absence of physical buying from the industrial sector. This rebound, without appropriate technical recovery is puzzling analysts.
Platinum showed extreme volatility in 2008, rising to an all-time high of $2,290 an ounce in March on the back of a power shortage in major producer South Africa, before falling to a five-year low of $732.50 in October.
Platinum rebounded early in ’09, and came back into the four digits, the metal’s highest value in over 12 weeks. In 2008 the metal went on a wild ride, hitting a peak of $2,290 per ounce, and then came crashing down to a three digit value. Despite the metal starting the year on a good note, RBC capital markets has cut its platinum price forecast for the next two years.
Zimbabwe’s biggest platinum mine Zimplats on Tuesday warned its survival was under threat and expected significant losses due to the fall of metals on the international market.
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South African based mining entrepreneur, Mr Loucas Pouroulis, indicated that he was looking forward to replicate the success of Eland Platinum (of South Africa) with another platinum venture called Kameni, which will develop new mines in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
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South African mining group, Kameni has mulled plans to develop new platinum mines in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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