Palladium is an extremely rare silver white metal element discovered only in 1803. Palladium is a family of the platinum group metals which are known for their outstanding catalytic properties. Among them, palladium has unique catalytic properties because it has the lowest density and melting point.

Palladium has important applications in modern industries such as in the automobile, computer, telecommunication, dental and chemical industries. In particular, more than half of the palladium produced is used as a primary component in the manufacture of catalytic converters which are used to reduce emissions of toxic gases from vehicles by converting harmful vehicle exhaust into carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor. 

Palladium is also frequently used in the making of multilayer ceramic capacitor used in electrical components for hand phones, fax machines, computers and laptops. In addition, palladium is used for plating for connectors in electronic circuit boards. Other uses of palladium include dental alloy, watches and in jewelries. Palladium is a popular alloy component for white gold.

The major palladium producing countries in the world are Russia, South Africa, Canada and the United States. In particular, Russia and South Africa together accounted for over 80% of world’s palladium output. In recent years, the uncertain and tight supply of palladium has encouraged many industries to seek alternatives to palladium. For example nickel is increasingly being used as a substitute for palladium in electrical components.