South African mining production falls 16th February 2007
South African mining production fell by 1.1 per cent over 2006, according to new official figures.
However, the study by Statistics South Africa reveals that in the three months to November 2006, mining production rose 5.5 per cent – fuelled by an increase in non-gold mineral production.
Pgm production led growth, rising 11.1 per cent over the last quarter and it now makes up 27.6 per cent of all mining production.
The value of all mineral sales – seasonally adjusted – rose 51.3 per cent in the three months to November compared with a year ago with pgms leading growth and rising 25 per cent to RN9.52 billion ($1.3 billion).
Total mineral sales were recorded at RN18.78 billion ($2.57 billion).
The report stated: “The major contributors to the increase of 51,3 per cent in the actual value of mineral sales at current prices for the three months ended November 2006 compared with the three months ended November 2005 were pgms, gold and nickel.”
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