New figures released yesterday (9th December) have revealed that PGM production was up by eight per cent in South Africa for the three months to the end of October.

Statistics South Africa confirmed that total mining production was up by 4.9 per cent in comparison to the three previous months, with PGMs, iron-ore (0.3 per cent) and nickel (0.2 per cent) all playing a valuable role.

In addition, the body announced that the actual total monthly mining production for October was up by 3.5 per cent on a year-on-year basis, mainly as a result of a 6.5 per cent rise in non-gold mineral production.

However, the figures mean that total mining production for the period to the end of October has fallen by 2.4 per cent when compared to the equivalent period last year.

It was also confirmed that the actual estimated value of mineral sales for the third quarter increased by 47.6 per cent year-on-year, with PGM sales (up 11.5 per cent or R6.34 billion) making a significant contribution.

The rise is similarly being attributed to increased sales of coal (up by 15 per cent or R8.24 billion) and manganese ore (up by 9.9 per cent or R5.44 billion).

Finally, the body revealed that the value of mineral sales in Q3 fell by 1.1 per cent from Q2 2008.



Source:

SA's October mining output down 2,4% y-on-y (09/12/08)
http://www.miningweekly.com/article.php?a_id=149426