IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Key findings regarding mining production for 2007

The index of total mining production was 0,2% lower in 2007 compared with 2006. The 0,2% drop in annual mining production followed a 1,5% decline in 2006 and a 1,3% rise in 2005.
The major contributors to the annual decrease of 0,2% in 2007 were gold (-1,0 percentage point), other non-metallic minerals   (-0,3 of a percentage point), nickel and other metallic minerals (-0,2 of a percentage point each). However, the platinum group metals (PGMs) and the building materials group reported positive contributions of 0,4 and 0,3 of a percentage point respectively.

Key findings regarding mineral sales as at the end of November 2007

The total seasonally adjusted value of mineral sales at current prices for the three months ended November 2007 reflected an increase of 3,4% compared with the preceding three months. This increase of 3,4% (R1 845,6 million) can be attributed to an increase of 3,8% (R1 657,2 million) in the sales of non-gold minerals and an increase of 2,0% (R188,4 million) in the sales of gold.