Key findings: P2041 - Mining: Production and sales, April 2012

Key findings regarding mining production for April 2012

Seasonally adjusted mining production decreased by 7,6% for the three months ended April 2012 compared with the three months ended January 2012. The most significant downward contribution to the 3-month percentage change came from PGMs (contributing -6,4 percentage points).

Actual mining production decreased by 10,5% for the three months ended April 2012 compared with the three months ended April 2011. A year-on-year decrease of 10,6% was recorded in April 2012 compared with a revised 8,0% decrease in March 2012.

Key findings regarding mineral sales for March 2012

The seasonally adjusted value of mineral sales at current prices reflected a decrease of 6,5% in the first quarter of 2012 compared with the fourth quarter of 2011. The fall of 6,5% (-R6 636,6 million) was mainly due to a decrease in the sales value of PGMs (contributing -5,1 percentage points or -R5 124,0 million). The largest upward effect came from