Title: Platinum Group of Metals: a strategic assessment of the South African industry

Authors: A.K. Garg, R. Van Tonder, Prof. (late) R.J.O. Joubert

Addresses: Civil Engineering Department, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0061, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Mines, Private Bag 0049, Gaborone, Botswana. ' Graduate School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa, Midrand, South Africa. ' Formerly of Economics, Strategy, Financial Markets, Graduate School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa, Midrand, South Africa

Abstract: In order to analyse the strategic issues with regard to the South African Platinum Group of Metals (PGM) industry, a risk analysis and an assessment of the competitiveness of the industry were conducted. The analysis of risk related to market conditions indicates a relatively low risk rating driven by increased demand for jewellery and autocatalysts, while the industry is exposed to moderate risk for raw materials and supporting services, which is expected to remain moderate in future. Overall, the current risk for production factors was found to be moderate and is expected to remain moderate over the medium term. The results of industry risk analysis indicate that the PGM industry is currently exposed to moderate risk. Applying Porter|s diamond model (Porter, 1990), the research found that the South Africa|s PGM industry has a very strong platform and is expected to become more competitive in future, although increased cooperation will still be evident. The competitiveness of South African producers is expected to increase over the medium term, since most of the expansion will come on stream in the near future. The paper also discusses the development potential of South Africa in line with the exploitation of PGM.

Keywords: competitiveness; country risk; platinum; South Africa; strategy; risk assessment; cooperation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2007.014477

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2007 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.174 - 204

Published online: 10 Jul 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article