IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Mining production increased by 5,6% year-on-year in July 2015. The highest positive growth rates were recorded for PGMs (71,8%), manganese ore (21,3%), chromium ore (10,3%) and diamonds (9,9%). The main positive contributors to the 5,6% increase were PGMs (contributing 7,9 percentage points) and manganese ore (contributing 1,2 percentage points).

Iron ore (-8,6% and contributing -1,9 percentage points) and gold (-7,4% and contributing -1,2 percentage points) were significant negative contributors.

Seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 1,1% in July 2015 compared with June 2015. This followed month-on-month changes of 2,0% in June 2015 and -4,6% in May 2015.

Seasonally adjusted mining production decreased by 4,3% in the three months ended July 2015 compared with the previous three months. The main contributors to the 4,3% decrease were iron ore (contributing -2,2 percentage points) and coal (contributing -1,7 percentage points).

Key findings regarding mineral sales for June 2015

Mineral sales increased by 11,3% year-on-year in June 2015. The highest positive contributions to the increase of 11,3% were made by the following mineral groups and minerals:

• PGMs (72,4% and contributing 11,7 percentage points);
• gold (11,8% and contributing 2,0 percentage points); and
• 'other' non-metallic minerals (19,7% and contributing 1,3 percentage points).

Iron ore decreased by 30,6% year-on-year and was a significant negative contributor (contributing -5,0 percentage points).

Seasonally adjusted mineral sales at current prices decreased by 1,2% in June 2015 compared with May 2015. This followed month-on-month changes of 0,4% in May 2015 and 1,4% in April 2015.