Latest figures have revealed that pgms have now overtaken gold as the top foreign revenue earner for South Africa.

According to the April Minerals Bureau Bulletin, total sales and export sales last year were up by 24.7 per cent and total mineral sales revenue increased by 6.3 per cent.

During 2004, pgms made up 33 per cent of mineral export sales with local sales income improvements one of the factors thought to have helped results, Mining Weekly reports.

In addition, rising copper prices are thought to have had an effect on sector performance.

Platinum has recently been seen to become a more popular metal choice for bridal jewellery and has proved a more favourable option for companies as gold costs rise.