LE BRIEF

South Africa: mining output falls 12.7%, weighed down by platinum, coal and iron ore

LE BRIEF • 2026-10-14

August data show a sharper decline than in July and a 15.1% fall in mineral sales. Chrome and manganese, however, move against the trend.

LE BRIEF, Wednesday 14 October 2026: Africa and Gulf special edition Country : South Africa Source publication : 13 October 2026 Event : August 2026 production data released on 13 October Worker at a mineral-processing installation: illustration supplied for the South African mining output report. South Africa’s mining industry recorded a substantial contraction in August 2026, with production falling 12.7% year on year. New statistics released on 13 October show a sharper deterioration than in July, when production had declined by 7%. Platinum, coal and iron ore weigh on output Platinum group metals were among the main contributors to the contraction, alongside coal and iron ore. The results reflect difficulties in several essential branches of South Africa’s extractive industry. Mineral sales also decline The downturn also affected the value of mineral sales, which fell 15.1% year on year. Gold sales suffered particularly heavily, declining by 48.6%. By contrast, chrome and manganese ores recorded positive developments over the period. The contraction affects a sector central to South Africa’s exports, industrial employment and economic revenues. A downturn with multiple causes Mining companies continue to face structural issues concerning production costs, logistics infrastructure and energy supply. The published data do not, however, allow the entire decline to be attribu...