Key findings regarding mining production

Mining production increased by 0,8% year-on-year in February 2021. The largest positive contributors were:

·        iron ore (65,7% and contributing 5,9 percentage points);

·        manganese ore (21,6% and contributing 1,7 percentage points); and

·        ‘other’ non-metallic minerals (12,6% and contributing 0,7 of a percentage point).

Coal (-19,3% and contributing -5,7 percentage points) and gold (-8,7% and contributing -1,2 percentage points) were significant negative contributors.

Seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 3,8% in February 2021 compared with January 2021. This followed month-on-month changes of 3,9% in January 2021 and -1,2% in December 2020.

Seasonally adjusted mining production was flat in the three months ended February 2021 compared with the previous three months. The largest negative contributors were:

·        coal (-5,4% and contributing -1,4 percentage points);

·        manganese ore (-12,6% and contributing -1,2 percentage points); and

·        ‘other’ non-metallic minerals (-15,7% and contributing -1,1 percentage points).

Iron ore (52,3% and contributing 4,5 percentage points) was a significant positive contributor.

Key findings regarding mineral sales

Mineral sales increased by 26,0% year-on-year in February 2021. The largest positive contributors were:

·        PGMs (71,5% and contributing 18,9 percentage points);

·        iron ore (47,0% and contributing 6,9 percentage points); and

·        manganese ore (39,7% and contributing 2,1 percentage points).

Seasonally adjusted mineral sales at current prices decreased by 10,7% in February 2021 compared with January 2021. This followed month-on-month changes of 32,1% in January 2021 and -6,7% in December 2020.