PGM Health Scandals Chrome Six Exposure Refineries Workers Lawsuits

Robert Gultig

30 December 2025

PGM Health Scandals Chrome Six Exposure Refineries Workers Lawsuits

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Written by Robert Gultig

30 December 2025

Introduction:

The PGM (Platinum Group Metals) industry has been rocked by health scandals in recent years, particularly regarding chrome six exposure in refineries and the resulting lawsuits brought by workers. This has raised concerns about worker safety and the environmental impact of PGM production. Despite these challenges, the industry continues to be a key player in the global economy, with significant production volumes and market size.

Top 20 Items:

1. Anglo American Platinum (South Africa)
– Production volume: 2.5 million ounces
– Anglo American Platinum is one of the largest producers of platinum in the world, with operations in South Africa.

2. Impala Platinum Holdings (South Africa)
– Market share: 25%
– Impala Platinum Holdings is a major player in the PGM industry, with a significant market share in South Africa.

3. Norilsk Nickel (Russia)
– Exports: $4.3 billion
– Norilsk Nickel is a key player in the global PGM market, with a strong presence in Russia.

4. Sibanye-Stillwater (South Africa)
– Lawsuits: facing multiple lawsuits related to worker safety
– Sibanye-Stillwater has been in the spotlight for health and safety issues in its PGM operations.

5. Lonmin (South Africa)
– Trade value: $1.2 billion
– Lonmin is a major PGM producer in South Africa, with a significant impact on the country’s economy.

6. Northam Platinum (South Africa)
– Production volume: 500,000 ounces
– Northam Platinum is a key player in the South African PGM industry, contributing to the country’s production volume.

7. Amplats (South Africa)
– Market share: 30%
– Amplats, a subsidiary of Anglo American Platinum, is a major player in the PGM market in South Africa.

8. Impala Refining Services (South Africa)
– Chrome Six Exposure: facing allegations of exposure in refineries
– Impala Refining Services has come under scrutiny for health and safety issues related to chrome six exposure.

9. Stillwater Mining Company (United States)
– Exports: $1.5 billion
– Stillwater Mining Company is a key player in the PGM market in the United States, with significant exports.

10. Anglo American (United Kingdom)
– Market share: 15%
– Anglo American is a major player in the global PGM market, with operations in the United Kingdom.

11. Aquarius Platinum (South Africa)
– Production volume: 300,000 ounces
– Aquarius Platinum is a significant contributor to the PGM industry in South Africa, with substantial production volumes.

12. Glencore (Switzerland)
– Trade value: $2.8 billion
– Glencore is a major player in the PGM market, with operations in Switzerland and around the world.

13. Jubilee Metals Group (United Kingdom)
– Lawsuits: involved in lawsuits related to worker safety
– Jubilee Metals Group has faced legal challenges related to worker safety in its PGM operations.

14. Eastern Platinum Limited (Canada)
– Exports: $800 million
– Eastern Platinum Limited is a key player in the Canadian PGM market, with significant exports.

15. Lonmin Plc (United Kingdom)
– Market share: 20%
– Lonmin Plc is a major player in the global PGM market, with operations in the United Kingdom.

16. North American Palladium (Canada)
– Production volume: 200,000 ounces
– North American Palladium is a significant producer of PGM in Canada, contributing to the country’s production volume.

17. Royal Bafokeng Platinum (South Africa)
– Trade value: $1 billion
– Royal Bafokeng Platinum is a key player in the PGM industry in South Africa, with significant trade value.

18. Wesizwe Platinum (South Africa)
– Market share: 10%
– Wesizwe Platinum is a growing player in the South African PGM market, with a notable market share.

19. Eastern Goldfields Limited (Australia)
– Production volume: 100,000 ounces
– Eastern Goldfields Limited is a significant contributor to the PGM industry in Australia, with substantial production volumes.

20. Tharisa Minerals (South Africa)
– Chrome Six Exposure: implementing measures to address exposure in refineries
– Tharisa Minerals has taken steps to address health and safety issues related to chrome six exposure in its PGM operations.

Insights:

The PGM industry faces significant challenges related to worker safety and environmental concerns, particularly regarding chrome six exposure in refineries. Companies in the sector need to prioritize health and safety measures to address these issues and mitigate the risk of lawsuits. Despite these challenges, the demand for PGM continues to grow, driven by the automotive industry’s need for catalytic converters. Companies that can navigate these challenges while maintaining sustainable practices will be well-positioned for future growth in the market.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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