Platinum will not "run out" in an absolute sense, but its above-ground, readily available supply is becoming critically scarce. The global market has been in a persistent supply deficit for several years, meaning that demand has consistently outpaced production from mining and recycling.
The bottom line is this: platinum will not “run out” in an apocalyptic sense. But it is becoming exponentially more scarce, more critical to our global future, and consequently, more valuable. The era of taking this noble metal for granted is over.
Most analysts predict that the platinum price will rise to $1,770.00 by the end of 2025. More moderate forecasts indicate that it may reach around $1,714.25. Forecasts for 2026 are optimistic. The asset is expected to increase to $2,340.00.
In 2023, global proven reserves of PGMs were estimated at 70,830 tonnes, or 2.3 billion troy ounces, with the majority located in South Africa. Canada holds the fifth-largest known PGM reserves globally, totalling 310 tonnes, or roughly 10 million troy ounces.
TL;DR: Platinum is rarer than gold but has less of a track record and ``brand recognition'' due to being discovered much later. Ultimately it is the public that pays, so if they don't know about it, the demand isn't there.
As of early January 2026, the price for 1 kilogram (kg) of platinum fluctuates but is roughly in the range of $69,000 to over $110,000 USD/AUD, depending heavily on the dealer, market spot price ($69,407/oz USD reported by JM Bullion, ~ $2,500 AUD/oz by Guardian Gold as of Dec 2025), premiums, and if buying physical bars, with Australian dealers showing ~AUD $110,000 for 1kg bars.
But why do jewelers not like platinum? The answer lies in its unique properties that make it both a prized and challenging material to work with. Platinum is significantly denser than gold, making it heavier and more difficult to shape. This density also causes tools to wear down faster, increasing costs for jewelers.
Gold is clearly the most durable, but many objects fashioned from silver, copper, bronze, iron, lead, and tin have survived for several thousand years. Dry environments, such as tombs, appear to be optimum for metal preser- vation, but some metals have survived in shipwrecks for over a thousand years.
The World's Top Platinum Producers
As the supply problem persisted for many years, inevitably the demand for Platinum has greatly outweighed the supply. 2023 and 2024 suffered a 1 million ounce deficit, and 2025 saw a 700,000 ounce deficit. That, and increased investor demand has lead to a near 100% rise in Platinum this year.
If you invested $1,000 in gold 10 years ago (around late 2015/early 2016), your investment would likely be worth significantly more today (late 2025), potentially in the range of $2,000 to over $3,000, reflecting substantial price appreciation, though less than the S&P 500 but outperforming during certain periods of market stress, acting as a hedge against uncertainty, with returns varying based on exact entry/exit points and premiums/spreads.
Key Takeaways. Gold is traditional, widely trusted, and culturally significant, while platinum is rarer and appeals to niche buyers. Gold offers stability and liquidity as an investment; platinum, on the other hand, is more volatile and tied to industrial demand.
Gold is the most well-known and investable precious metal. It's unique for its durability (it doesn't corrode), shaping capability, and ability to conduct heat and electricity. While it has some industrial uses in dentistry and electronics, it's primarily used to make jewelry or as a form of currency.
Both platinum and silver have the potential to outperform gold in 2025. The two white metals have been in short supply, while their demand remains robust. Their attractiveness for traders is also due to their significantly lower entry barrier.
Most analysts expect gold's bull run to moderate somewhat in 2026. That said, most see the only way gold will fall next year is if global economic growth exceeds expectations -- and it could surge in the event of a substantial global slowdown.
Over the past 12 months, platinum has seen the kind of extraordinary value increase that we last observed nearly 20 years ago—during the 2008 financial crisis. Since the start of 2025, platinum has appreciated by more than 77%. The big acceleration began during June, with consistent gains throughout subsequent months.
As of early January 2026, the price for 1 kilogram (kg) of platinum fluctuates but is roughly in the range of $69,000 to over $110,000 USD/AUD, depending heavily on the dealer, market spot price ($69,407/oz USD reported by JM Bullion, ~ $2,500 AUD/oz by Guardian Gold as of Dec 2025), premiums, and if buying physical bars, with Australian dealers showing ~AUD $110,000 for 1kg bars.
A: Yes, generally, platinum is more expensive than gold on a per-ounce or per-gram basis, and for finished jewellery pieces of comparable size and design. This is due to its rarity, density, and the complexity of working with it.
Here are some of the more useful metals that do not rust.
It's very unlikely as Iron is one of the most abundant elements in most planets as it's one of the most common byproducts of fusion in the massive stars that planets form from after they explode. Earth contains so much Iron, about 1/3 by mass, that we simply can't realistically use it all.
Stainless steel is more strengthen than Mild steel. Stainless Steel exhibits more hardness than mild steel, as Stainless steel contains chromium and nickel. Ductility is the ability to undergo deformation with cracking.
Its dense, durable nature means it doesn't easily react with most chemicals. However, platinum is not completely impervious to damage. Chlorine, in particular, can affect platinum, albeit less severely than sterling silver or gold. Repeated exposure to chlorine can cause platinum to develop a dull appearance over time.
In many industries, palladium is thought of as a substitute for platinum because of its greater abundance.
100% hypoallergenic and nickel-free
The first thing to know about platinum is that it's hypoallergenic; which is good news for people with sensitive skin. The secret is in its purity level – most platinum jewelry in the US is 95% platinum, whereas 14 kt. gold is only 58.5% gold.