Element 46 · Transition Metal
Palladium
The platinum group metal that powered the catalytic converter boom — and saw its price spike to historic highs.
Element Facts
SYMBOL
Pd
ATOMIC NO.
46
ATOMIC WEIGHT
106.42
CATEGORY
Transition Metal
PERIOD
Period 5
GROUP
Group 10
Overview
Palladium is element 46, a silvery-white transition metal in the platinum group. It is used predominantly in catalytic converters for petrol engines (whereas platinum is preferred for diesel), where it catalyses NOx reduction and hydrocarbon oxidation. About 80% of global palladium demand comes from autocatalysts. Russia (Norilsk Nickel) and South Africa dominate world supply. Palladium famously reached a historic high of approximately $3,000/troy ounce in early 2022 amid concerns about Russian supply, before falling sharply to around $900–1,100/oz by 2025 as automotive demand moderated.
Our Scrap Grades for This Metal
We buy palladium through catalytic converters, with pricing reflecting current LBMA palladium spot prices.