An entity in which Umicore has a significant influence over the financial and operating policies but no control. Typically this is evidenced by an ownership of between 20% and 50%. Associates are accounted for using the equity method.

Catalysis is a chemical process whereby one of the elements used in the reaction process, the catalyst, makes this chemical reaction possible, or speeds up this process, without being consumed in the reaction process, and therefore can be re-used.

A carboxylate is a salt of a carboxylic acid.

The cathode is the positive side in a (rechargeable) battery. In the charging phase ions are released from the cathode and migrate to the anode (negative side), thereby storing electricity. In the discharging phase, the ions move back to the cathode, thereby releasing electricity.

A donation to a not-for-profit organization that is not for the commercial benefit of Umicore. Donations can be in cash or in kind. Political donations are not permitted.

For Umicore a “closed loop” involves taking back secondary materials from customers (eg production residues) or end-of-life materials (eg used mobile phones, automotive catalysts) to recover the metals to be fed back into the economic cycle.

Electroplating is a plating process in which metal ions in a solution (electrolyte) are moved by an electric field to coat another material. The process is primarily used for depositing a layer of material to bestow a desired property on that other material.

European emission standard for exhaust emissions of new passenger vehicles set for implementation in 2014.

Global domestic product (recognized indicator of economic growth).

A contractual arrangement whereby Umicore and another party undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control. Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.