Platinum: Powering your morning commute

It’s a question that many of us would probably struggle to answer. After all, platinum paints a picture of luxury, not of necessity.

However, it may surprise you to know that our daily routines would be near impossible without it.

6am: The familiar sound of your iPhone’s alarm clock informs you that it’s time to get out of bed. Without the platinum contained within the circuit board helping to operate the mobile device, this would not be possible. Platinum plays an integral role in a selection of electronic devices, and many that we couldn’t live without.

6.30am: It’s time to get dressed for the day. Platinum is an important metal in watch design as it protects the intricate workings within the majority of watches. It is also used as a base metal for different pieces of jewellery including necklaces, bracelets and rings.

7am: You open your fridge to decide what to have for your breakfast. No platinum here, right? Well it’s interesting to note that, in our homes, everyday appliances – like fridges – are made from plastics and synthetic rubbers chemically created using platinum.

8am: You leave the house and get into your car, ready for the journey to work. During your drive, catalytic converters use platinum to turn your car’s unburnt exhaust fumes into carbon dioxide and steam. Additionally, cutting edge hydrogen powered cars use platinum as a catalyst that facilitates reactions between hydrogen and oxygen, producing electricity to power the vehicle.

9am: Finally, you arrive at your desk and log on to your computer. This would be impossible without platinum. The electronics industry uses platinum for a number of computer hard disks and thermocouples (temperature measurement devices) and it is enabling advancements in technology throughout the digital sector. For example, we are able to connect with family and friends across the world in increasingly clear and simple ways.

There you have it. Platinum plays a key part in our day-to-day lives. So finding and extracting it is an essential, yet tough task.

Our miners work hard to unlock platinum deposits with the help of geoscientists who analyse every last detail. Engineers make sure that our technology is safe and innovative, while medical, technical and community experts ensure we do everything to the highest possible standards.

Mining platinum at Anglo American is only made possible by the joint effort of a wide number of employees who, at the same time, are helping to ensure that your journey from bed to work is as smooth as possible.

You can find out more about how the products we mine impact everyday life by visiting Origins.