South Africa’s mining output hits two-year high

South Africa’s mining industry has recorded its strongest performance in two years, with production rising by 9.7 per cent year-on-year, according to the latest data released by Statistics South Africa. The rebound follows a revised 5 per cent increase in January, reports African News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The surge in output was primarily driven by platinum group metals (PGMs), which expanded by an exceptional 52.3 per cent, contributing the majority of overall growth. Additional gains were recorded in chromium ore (up 26.9 per cent), manganese ore (17.8 per cent), and gold (12.8 per cent), while nickel and diamond production also posted positive year-on-year results.

On a month-on-month basis, seasonally adjusted mining production increased by 2.3 per cent in February, following a revised 3.7 per cent rise in January. Economists attribute the short-term rebound to improved commodity performance and temporary factors.

Year-to-date, mining production has increased by 7.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, offering a more positive outlook following last year’s near-stagnant growth of just 0.1 per cent. Additionally, mining input cost inflation eased to 1.2 per cent year-on-year in February, supported by a stronger national currency and relatively stable oil prices at the time.