South Africa has suffered a recent reduction in mining output, with a fall in platinum production thought to be a major factor in the declining figures.

Statistics South Africa announced today that mining output in the country for the three months to January 31st was down by 3.9 per cent on the previous period.

With seasonal adjustments factored in, the three-month period was 2.8 per cent down on the August to October stretch, with a 3.8 per cent decrease in non-gold mineral production blamed for the disappointing numbers.

A fall of 3.9 per cent in production of platinum group metals was a major factor in the decline of non-gold minerals, with output of iron and nickel only dropping by 0.2 per cent each.

The figures will be a concern to government officials looking to see positive economic signs following the country's black empowerment initiative.



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