THE platinum sector in SA can learn some lessons from the diamond industry, which appears to be coming through a particularly difficult year.A number of diamond producers, De Beers included, are noticeably upbeat about price prospects for this year. If the market is indeed reaching the bottom of the cycle then the responsible attitude of major producers in either scaling back production or withholding diamonds to clear out excess rough stones is to be commended.De Beers, majority owned by Anglo American, and Alrosa, the two biggest producers, have shown a degree of responsibility that has benefited all producers.There are essentially a handful of platinum producers in SA, which is the largest source of mined platinum. They can similarly affect the supply of metal to the market and, arguably, move prices.A number of commentators have argued for greater supply-side discipline in platinum, a market where a five-month strike knocked a million ounces of metal out of the market, and modes...
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