Ruthenium shock Part 2: perspective from an anode manufacturer

By Elena Gosse

Elena Gosse, CEO of AIS Water, offers her perspective on the ruthenium shortage, from her position as the only Australian anode manufacturer – the part of the cell that is coated in ruthenium – as well as a manufacturer of pool water treatment products.

The escalation in ruthenium pricing is creating significant disruption across the water disinfection and chlorination industry. Over the past 13 months alone, ruthenium has increased from around $US460 per ounce to approximately $US1750 per ounce, a shift that can no longer be viewed as temporary.

While many initially believed the spike would stabilise, broader global pressures – including energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty, supply constraints and growing demand from emerging technologies such as AI – all point to a new pricing reality. The industry must now adjust accordingly.

We are seeing some manufacturers delay price adjustments, either relying on earlier stock purchases or absorbing short-term cost increases for the current season.

Others are reducing costs by using lower-grade anode materials. At AIS Water, we will not compromise product quality to offset raw material volatility. Our products are built on high-grade anode materials designed for longevity, safety and reliability and that commitment remains unchanged.

Historically, our margins have been modest because we prioritise quality and long-term performance over short-term gain. We believe customers who value reliability, reputation and long-term investment will continue to support manufacturers who stand behind their products and their partners.

For those hoping ruthenium prices will return to previous levels, I sincerely hope they do. I would welcome being proven wrong. However, all current indicators suggest we must prepare for sustained higher input costs and adapt to this new reality.

Consumers routinely accept paying thousands of dollars for devices they replace regularly such as mobile phones.

Yet pool water disinfection systems, which protect swimmers from bacteria and disease for many years, remain undervalued. As an industry, we must recognise the true value of safe, reliable water treatment and price accordingly.

IMAGE: Ruthenium. AdobeStock