Mining production increased by 2.4% year-on-year in June, with the platinum-group metal (PGM), coal and chromium ore sectors having made the biggest positive contributions.

PGM output increased by 3%, contributing one percentage point to the overall figure. Coal output increased by 3.7%, contributing 0.8 of a percentage point, and chromium ore production by 9%, contributing 0.5 of a percentage point to the overall figure, Statistics South Africa reports.

Further, seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 0.2% month-on-month in June. This followed month-on-month changes of 3.9% in May and 0% in April.

In addition, seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 3.9% in the second quarter of the year, compared with the first quarter.

The largest positive contributors were PGMs (9% and contributing 2.5 percentage points); gold (4.7% and contributing 0.6 of a percentage point); and chromium ore (8.5% and contributing 0.5 of a percentage point).

Meanwhile, minerals sales at current prices decreased by 14.4% year-on-year in June.

The largest negative contributors were gold (-53.7% and contributing -13.6 percentage points); manganese ore (-33.7% and contributing -2.7 percentage points); and coal (-5.5% and contributing -1.2 percentage points).

The largest positive contributor was PGMs (23.5% and contributing 4.4 percentage points).

Seasonally adjusted mineral sales at current prices decreased by 6.6% month-on-month in June. This followed month-on-month changes of 4.7% in May and 7.1% in April.

Seasonally adjusted mineral sales at current prices increased by 6.6% in the second quarter, compared with the first quarter. Edited by Chanel de Bruyn