PGM drives SA mining output increase in April
South Africa’s mining production continued to rise, increasing by 8.2% year-on-year in April from 2.5% the previous month.
According to data released by Statistics South Africa, the strong recovery was largely driven by platinum group metals, which recorded growth of 36.5% and contributed 8.8 percentage points to overall growth.
#SAmining || South African mining production increased by 8,2% year-on-year in April 2026.
PDF statistical release and Excel files: https://t.co/JFgQQITyUn #StatsSA #KnowYourStatsZA #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/NqiSsDynJS
— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) June 11, 2026
The boost in mining activity marks the fifth consecutive month of expansion, with Platinum Group Metals’ (PGM) remaining the sector’s key growth engine.
“Nickel, manganese ore and chromium ore were also positive. Chromium ore recorded its 8th consecutive month of year-on-year growth. On the downside, there was a decline in the production of diamonds, copper, coal, iron ore and gold in April,” says Principal survey statistician at Stats SA Juan-Pierre Terblanche.
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