Stillwater Mining has expanded its presence in the catalyst reclaim market, by amending the long-term auto catalyst sourcing deal it holds with Power Mount, based in Kentucky, America.

Under the new agreement, Stillwater will purchase an increased amount of autocatalysts from Power Mount which it will then recycle.

Materials from this recycling, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, will then be processed along with mine production at Stillwater's state-of-the-art smelting and refining complex.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement Frank McAllister, Stillwater's chairman and CEO, said: "We have been delighted with the success of our business relationship with Power Mount and wish to extend and grow it further. The recycling of auto catalysts is totally consistent with Stillwater's business.

"This extended contract enables our smelter and refinery complex to further utilise its capacity and to increase the amount of metals recovered."

Material will be sourced in the main from automobile repair shops and automobile yards that take apart old cars for their various parts and once recovered metals will be resold.