IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Key findings regarding mining production for May 2015

Mining production increased by 2,7% year-on-year in May 2015. The highest positive growth rate was recorded for PGMs (99,6%), partly the result of a low base in May 2014 when the PGM sector was adversely affected by industrial action.

Seasonally adjusted mining production decreased by 4,7% in May 2015 compared with April 2015. This followed month-on-month changes of -4,7% in April 2015 and 6,9% in March 2015.

Seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 4,1% in the three months ended May 2015 compared with the previous three months. The main contributor to the 4,1% increase was PGMs (contributing 4,2 percentage points).

Key findings regarding mineral sales for April 2015

Mineral sales increased by 4,5% year-on-year in April 2015. The highest positive contributions to the increase of 4,5% were made by the following mineral groups and minerals:

• PGMs (57,3% and contributing 10,9 percentage points);
• chromium ore (45,0% and contributing 1,4 percentage points); and
• coal (4,5% and contributing 1,2 percentage points).

Iron ore decreased by 39,4% year-on-year and was a significant negative contributor (contributing -7,5 percentage points).

Seasonally adjusted mineral sales at current prices increased by 3,0% in April 2015 compared with March 2015. This followed month-on-month changes of 3,0% in March 2015 and 3,8% in February 2015.