South Africa's production of platinum group metals and gold declined in Q1

Published: May 21, 2025 09:05

Save

[South Africa's platinum group metals and gold production fell in Q1] According to MiningWeekly, South Africa's mining production fell by 2.8% YoY in March, mainly due to a decrease in the production of platinum group metals and gold. Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) showed that platinum group metals production fell by 9.9%, and gold production fell by 11.1%, but iron ore production was up 7.5% YoY.

According to MiningWeekly, South Africa's mining production fell by 2.8% YoY in March, primarily due to decreased production of platinum group metals (PGMs) and gold.

Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) showed that PGM production declined by 9.9% and gold production by 11.1%, while iron ore production increased by 7.5% YoY.

Seasonally adjusted mining production rose by 3.5% MoM in March, following a 4.1% decline in February and a 0.2% increase in January.

Seasonally adjusted mining production fell by 4.5% QoQ in Q1. The decline was mainly driven by PGMs, though the increase in iron ore production partially offset the decrease.

Seasonally adjusted sales of mineral products rose by 0.5% MoM at current prices, following a 9.6% decline in February and a 1.4% increase in January.

Seasonally adjusted sales of mineral products fell by 10.1% QoQ in Q1.

Bongani Motsa, senior analyst at the Minerals Council South Africa, stated that future gold demand is expected to remain stable, which should benefit South African gold companies.

"Gold is a barometer of global events. It has various uses, from jewelry to industrial applications and as a safe-haven investment tool. These characteristics make gold a timeless and ideal metal," he said.

Additionally, he pointed out that despite the contraction in PGM production in February, exports and export revenues were higher than pre-2019 pandemic levels.

He believes that the short- to medium-term outlook for chrome and manganese is positive, especially given the easing of trade tensions.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

11 hours ago

Eastplats Reports Weaker Second Quarter 2026 Results as PGM Production Declines

[SMM Flash] Eastern Platinum Limited (Eastplats) reported weaker financial and operational results for the second quarter of 2026, with revenue falling 25.8% year on year to USD 7.9 million. The company recorded a USD 7.9 million operating loss compared with USD 3 million in Q2 2025, while net loss attributable to shareholders widened to USD 6.1 million from USD 1.8 million. Eastplats attributed the deterioration mainly to lower PGM sales volumes and higher production costs at its Crocodile River Mine (CRM) in South Africa. PGM production fell to 4,356 oz of 6E in Q2 2026 from 6,781 oz a year earlier, while PGM concentrate production declined to 810 tonnes from 1,401 tonnes. ROM feed also decreased to 51,160 tonnes from 75,340 tonnes. Despite lower output, the average 6E PGM grade increased to 167 g/t from 151 g/t, indicating stronger grades but insufficient throughput. Eastplats said it will focus on operational efficiencies to improve PGM and chrome production as it continues ramping up the Zandfontein underground section at the Crocodile River Mine.

11 hours ago

[SMM Precious Metals]

The latest market assessment from Heraeuss, a global precious metals and materials company, indicates that South African PGM mine supply saw a significant recovery in H1 2026, but the current growth more reflects a normalization after the severe weather disruptions in 2025 rather than the industry entering a new cycle of sustained production growth. Heraeus expects global platinum mine production in 2026 to remain roughly flat at 5.2 million ounces.

11 hours ago

South Africa’s PGM Mining Communities Face Digital Divide Despite Technology Boom

[SMM Flash] South Africa’s PGM-rich mining communities face a widening digital divide despite supplying minerals increasingly important to the global technology and energy transition. Communities in Marikana and Kroondal in North West continue to experience limited fibre connectivity, unreliable networks and high mobile-data costs. For young people facing high unemployment, inadequate internet access is becoming a barrier to job applications, digital skills development and participation in the broader digital economy. The situation highlights concerns over how the benefits of the digital and energy transitions are distributed across mineral supply chains. While data centres and technology companies expand infrastructure in major cities, PGM-producing communities remain comparatively underserved. Mining companies have introduced initiatives including digital resource centres and free Wi-Fi at schools, but residents say coverage remains inadequate. The disparity raises a broader question over the meaning of a just transition: communities supplying the minerals that support AI, data centres and clean-energy technologies should also have meaningful access to the digital opportunities created by these industries.

11 hours ago