HEIDELBERG (Commodity Online): The World Gold Council (WGC) has welcomed the news that Premier Chemicals has chosen its Gold 2009 conference, being held at and co-organised by the University of Heidelberg between 26 – 29 July, to announce the exclusive distribution agreement with 3M for its gold catalyst, NanAucat.

Gold is increasingly being used in industrial and scientific applications, as its unique attributes, including its properties at the nanoscale, are becoming more fully understood and recognised.

3M develop world class products designed to protect workers from hazardous contaminates and gaseous vapours in the work environment and the gold catalyst product is the latest in their portfolio of industry leading filtration technology. Premier Chemicals will deliver this product to market under the brand name NanAucat.

Dr Richard Holliday, director, industrial, at WGC, said: "WGC supports and encourages innovations using gold in industrial applications through its market development programmes. 3M's gold catalyst is a perfect example of how gold’s unique properties make it ideal for use in technology and the benefits it can bring to an important enduser industry. Premier Chemicals is well placed to market and distribute this product and we believe this will be a good commercial partnership to grow the market for gold-based catalysts".

WGC has recognised the importance of gold-based science and innovation in supporting new industrial uses of the metal for many years.