Palladium is a platinum group metal discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston. It has many industrial and scientific uses such as in catalytic converters, fuel cells, electronics, dentistry, jewelry, and medicine. Global palladium production was around 5,650 ounces in 2012 and 5,740 ounces in 2013, with South Africa being the largest producer. Palladium has advantages for applications requiring a white metal that is durable, affordable and malleable, but it is not very abundant in nature.