The South African mining industry would not be able to return to 100% power consumption this month, said Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica in Pretoria on Friday.

"We're not necessarily looking at giving more to the mining industry at this point."

South Africa implemented an electricity rationing system last year, after supply side instability led to a near collapse of the country’s power grid, forcing miners to close their operations for days.

The mining companies have since been operating at between 90% and 95% of their normal power requirements.

Sonjica said the economic meltdown had caused a number of mines to shut down, as well as 17 furnaces to date, which had reduced power consumption by the mining industry.

However, she added that this did "not provide much comfort, as it has only increased the reserve margin by a small margin".

Sonjica said it would not be possible to return mines to full consumption until "we are certain we can do so", which was currently impossible as Eskom was in the midst of a summer maintenance programme, when electricity consumption was assumed to be less.

The State-owned power utility's maintenance programme will continue until May.

She added that government would like to see full power returned to mines, in order for them to operate optimally.

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