The production of platinum catalytic converters in South Africa could receive a catalyst of its own with the creation of a platinum centre of excellence.

A feasibility study into the centre is underway and should be completed by September, according to South African newspaper, The Herald.

If built, the centre could improve the competitiveness of the South African catalytic converter industry, which employs 4,000 people directly and supports 28,000 related jobs.

The Automotive Industry Development Centre is the group behind the plans. It hopes to locate the facility in the north-west of the country, which is home to the majority of its platinum reserves.

"South Africa is well positioned to take advantage of new exhaust emission technology for diesel vehicles, which has the potential to create thousands of jobs and earn billions in foreign exchange," Joe Armstrong, head of the Catalytic Converter Interest Group, told The Herald.

Production of catalytic converters has been increased by the implementation of emission limits in Europe. The Euro 4 standard halves the amount of particle and nitrogen oxide emissions allowed by all new diesel engines and stricter rules will come into effect by the end of the decade.

South Africa produces over 60 per cent of the world's platinum group metals.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd