IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Mining production increased by 0,1% year-on-year in December 2017. The main positive contributor was iron ore (15,9% and contributing 2,2 percentage points). Gold (-12,4% and contributing -2,0 percentage points) and coal (-5,5% and contributing -1,3 percentage points) were significant negative contributors.

Total mining production was 4,0% higher in 2017 compared with 2016. The 4,0% increase in annual mining production followed a decrease of 4,0% in 2016 and an increase of 3,2% in 2015.

Seasonally adjusted mining production decreased by 3,1% in December 2017 compared with November 2017. This followed month-on-month changes of -1,1% in November 2017 and 3,0% in October 2017.

Seasonally adjusted mining production decreased by 1,7% in the fourth quarter 2017 compared with the previous quarter. Gold (contributing -1,7 percentage points) was the largest negative contributor.

Key findings regarding mineral sales for December 2017

Mineral sales decreased by 1,4% year-on-year in December 2017. The main negative contributors were:

• chromium ore (-44,1% and contributing -3,4 percentage points);
• iron ore (-15,5% and contributing -1,9 percentage points); and
• manganese ore (-14,1% and contributing -1,3 percentage points).

Total mineral sales were 8,5% higher in 2017 compared with 2016. The 8,5% increase in annual mineral sales followed an increase of 9,4% in 2016 and a decrease of 2,2% in 2015.

Seasonally adjusted mineral sales at current prices decreased by 1,1% in December 2017 compared with November 2017. This followed month-on-month changes of -3,4% in November 2017 and 5,4% in October 2017.