Ruthenium Prices Surge Amid Rising AI-Driven Demand and Supply Constraints

Ruthenium prices have reached record highs due to rising demand driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers, which increase hard disk drive production where the metal is used. Supply remains limited as ruthenium is a by-product of platinum-group metals mining, primarily in South Africa, where production has declined. Analysts predict a significant supply deficit in coming years, contributing to the metal's growing strategic importance in technology and data storage sectors.