IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Key findings regarding mining production for December 2010

Seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 3,9% in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared with the third quarter of 2010. All twelve mineral groups and minerals contributed positively to the 3,9% increase, with PGMs and coal being the main contributors with a 0,8 percentage-point contribution each.

Actual mining production rose by 9,5% in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared with the fourth quarter of 2009 (see Tables A and 6). A year-on-year increase of 12,2% was recorded in December 2010 compared with a 9,5% increase in November 2010. The index of total mining production was 6,5% higher in 2010 compared with 2009. The 6,5% jump in annual mining production followed decreases of 6,6% in 2009 and 5,6% in 2008.

Key findings regarding mineral sales for November 2010

The seasonally adjusted value of mineral sales at current prices for the three months ended November 2010 reflected an increase of 6,6% compared with the three months ended August 2010. The increase of 6,6% (R4 969,4 million) was mainly due to increases in the sales value of PGMs (contributing 2,9 percentage points or R2 171,0 million), iron ore (contributing 2,1 percentage points or R1 548,1 million) and manganese ore (contributing 1,1 percentage points or R804,0 million).