Mining production in South Africa dropped by 6.2pc in January with the largest negative contributors being PGMs (platinum group metals), gold and coal, according to a report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). Mining production (seasonally adjusted) was up 4.5pc in January compared to prior month (Dec 2020).
Production
Copper production in South Africa in January was down 42.7pc compared to the year prior peiord. Nickel production volumes slipped 9.8pc, iron ore was down 3.8pc while other metallic mineral production was up 16.3pc in Jan from the prior year period.
Sales
Mineral sales have increased by 24.9pc in January from the year prior period. PGMs, iron ore and gold sales well supported the overall mineral sales growth. Seasonally adjusted mineral sales at the current prices jumped 31pc in January from prior month.
Manufacturing
Volume of manufacturing production in January was down 3.4pc. Largest contributors to the degrowth were motor vehicles, parts and accessories, closely followed by basic iron and steel, production of non-ferrous metals, metal products and machinery.