IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Key findings regarding mining production for June 2012

Seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 7,1% in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the first quarter of 2012. The main contributors to the quarterly percentage change came from PGMs (contributing 4,5 percentage points) and iron ore (contributing 1,8 percentage points).

A year-on-year increase of 4,2% was recorded in June 2012 compared with a revised 0,9% increase in May 2012. Actual mining production decreased by 2,1% in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the second quarter of 2011.

Key findings regarding mineral sales for May 2012

The seasonally adjusted value of mineral sales at current prices decreased by 8,9% in the three months ended May 2012 compared with the previous three months. The decline of 8,9%             (-R8 886,8 million) was mainly due to decreases in the sales value of PGMs (contributing -5,3 percentage points or -R5 247,3 million), other non-metallic minerals (contributing -1,5 percentage points or -R1 477,5 million) and coal (contributing -1,0 of a percentage point or -R958,8 million).

The actual value of mineral sales at current prices increased by 5,2% in the three months ended May 2012 compared with the three months ended May 2011. The major contributors to this increase were:

• gold (contributing 5,3 percentage points or R4 606,5 million);
• coal (contributing 3,6 percentage points or R3 076,4 million); and
• iron ore (contributing 2,8 percentage points or R2 384,0 million).

PGMs sales decreased over this period, contributing -6,6 percentage points or -R5 745,3 million.