Pgm production increased by 3.3 per cent in South Africa during January, it emerged today (11th March).

Statistics SA confirmed that the sector made the most significant contribution to the country's overall mining production rising by 7.7 per cent over the course of the month.

The Pretoria-based agency noted that the improvement was the first since July 2008 and followed declines of 2.3 per cent in December and 2.2 per cent in November.

Meanwhile, pgm mineral sales were found to be 11.2 per cent lower in 2009 than for the previous 12-month period, with overall mineral sales slumping by 22.7 per cent.

However, the total seasonally-adjusted value of mineral sales at current prices for the fourth quarter of last year increased by 2.4 per cent from the preceding three months.

Pgms were again the major driving force behind the rise (up by 2.1 per cent), while manganese ore and gold sales jumped by two per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively.

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

Source:

Mining production picking up (11/03/10)

© Adfero Ltd