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Published online 20 February 2008 | Nature 451, 877 (2008) | doi:10.1038/451877a

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Energy crisis upsets platinum market

Supply squeeze imminent for precious metal.

Electricity shortages in South Africa led to record-breaking prices for platinum last week as two of the world's leading producers forecasted that energy rationing will reduce production in 2008.

South Africa has been plagued by energy problems for months, but major blackouts lasting up to several hours started sweeping the country in January.

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