Mine production in South Africa dipped 29.8pc in May, according to preliminary data reported by the country’s Department of Statistics.
The department did not disclose volumes but reported that iron ore production dropped 66.3pc in May compared to the same month last year, due to the impact of the pandemic and related shutdowns of mines. Total mining output in May by fell 44pc over April.
In Q2 2020, copper ore production decreased by 63.8pc in over Q1 2020 while nickel production declined by 47.6pc in Q2 2020 compared with the previous quarter.
Mining sales, including exports, fell 13.4pc in May compared with the same month last year. However, an uptick of 25pc was seen over April.
Sales of iron ore, copper, and nickel at current prices contributed $345mn, $40mn, and $149mn, respectively, to the total mining sales in May.