Demand for ruthenium is expected to stay weak as major users in the electronics sector step up recycling of the white metal, Johnson Matthey's publications manager David Jollie said.

Prices of the metal used chiefly in hard disks have tumbled 70 percent in the last three months as the slowing economy and a rise in recycling hit consumption.

Spot ruthenium RUTH-LON had slumped to $65 an ounce by Tuesday, down from $215 an ounce in early November and more than 90 percent below its all-time high of $880 an ounce in May 2007.

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