SA's mining sector expanded by 0.6% in fourth quarter

JOHANNESBURG - Mining production bounced back in the fourth quarter of last year – as the industry tries to claw its way back from several headwinds.

Production increased by 0.6% in the last three months of the year.

The improved data is a good sign for the industry - which buckled under the pressure of the energy and logistics challenges, as well as wildcat strikes.

Despite the slight progress – this is still far below predictions by some economists.

Statistics South Africa’s Juan-Pierre Terblanche says platinum group metals, coal and chromium led the gains.

“Platinum group metals grew by 9,4%, coal by 5,8%. chromium ore and nickel were also stronger. The industry produced less iron ore, manganese, gold and copper in December.”