US House passes silver study

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that includes a provision for a 3-year study on the potential use of silver and gold in industrial and automotive catalytic processes. The study could lead to greater consumption of silver and, to a lesser extent, gold.

The research is expected to lead to new developments that would allow precious metals to replace traditional catalysts. These catalysts now rely on more expensive platinum group metals in industrial applications such as catalytic converters for automobiles.

“Congressional leaders and the White House have expressed a strong desire to see comprehensive energy legislation move forward this year, and we are pleased silver is a component of this major overhaul of our national energy policy,” says Paul Bateman, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Silver Institute.