Platinum production in South Africa is on the rise, according to the latest figures from the government agency, Statistics South Africa.

Figures from the SSA show that the total metals and minerals output rose by 1.6 per cent in August, with platinum the key driver for the growth.

The SSA's index measurement showed production of pgms rose from 89.3 in August 2003 to 114 by August 2004.

Furthermore pgms also drove up the actual value of mineral sales at current prices for the three months ended July 2004 compared with the three months ended July 2003, with a 7.4 per cent hike. The rise is equivalent to R2.17 billion.