PGM production in South Africa declined by 12.5 per cent on a year-on-year basis in February, according to new figures released today (8th April).

However, Statistics South Africa confirmed that pgms were the main contributor to overall seasonally-adjusted mining output rising by 3.4 per cent in the three months to the end of February.

The figures also revealed that total mining production throughout the country increased by 5.8 per cent during the month, compared with the 9.7 per cent rise posted in January.

Diamond production rose by 149.2 per cent, while chromium ore output was up 123.4 per cent, manganese ore output jumped by 64.6 per cent, nickel production increased by 58.4 per cent and gold production fell by 9.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, the body confirmed that the total value of South African mineral sales hit R18.7 billion in January, which was 13.4 per cent higher than the figure recorded 12 months earlier.

The overall seasonally-adjusted value of mineral sales for the three months to the end of January was found to be 7.7 per cent or R4.4 billion higher than in the preceding quarter.

PGMs were again noted as a major component in the sales improvement, while coal and manganese ore sales were also strong during the three-month period.

South Africa is believed to account for about three-quarters of the world's platinum production.

Sources:

SA mining production jumps 5,8% in Feb (08/04/10)

Mining production increases (08/03/10)

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