Production: results for December 2023

Mining production increased by 0,6% year-on-year in December 2023. The largest positive contributors were:

·        PGMs (9,4% and contributing 2,8 percentage points);

·        coal (5,8% and contributing 1,3 percentage points); and

·        chromium ore (19,9% and contributing 0,7 of a percentage point).

Total mining production was 0,4% lower in 2023 compared with 2022. The 0,4% decrease in annual mining production followed a decrease of 7,2% in 2022 and an increase of 12,7% in 2021.

Seasonally adjusted mining production decreased by 4,2% in December 2023 compared with November 2023. This followed month-on-month changes of 2,7% in November 2023 and 2,0% in October 2023.

Seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 2,5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with the third quarter of 2023. The largest positive contributors were:

·        PGMs (8,2% and contributing 2,1 percentage points); and

·        coal (5,3% and contributing 1,3 percentage points).

Mineral sales: results for December 2023

Mineral sales at current prices increased by 9,2% year-on-year in December 2023. The largest positive contributors were:

·        gold (127,7% and contributing 11,3 percentage points);

·        iron ore (60,6% and contributing 6,4 percentage points); and

·        chromium ore (71,4% and contributing 3,2 percentage points).

Total mineral sales at current prices were 10,3% lower in 2023 compared with 2022. The 10,3% decrease in annual mineral sales followed increases of 3,1% in 2022 and 39,8% in 2021.

Seasonally adjusted mineral sales at current prices increased by 4,2% in December 2023 compared with November 2023. This followed month-on-month changes of 2,9% in November 2023 and 13,3% in October 2023.