JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) on Friday welcomed the year-on-year increase in mineral production in February, on the back of higher commodity prices.
Data released by Statistics South Africa on Thursday shows that mineral production increased by 3.1% year-on-year, with diamonds, iron-ore, manganese ore and coal being the main contributors.
The increase supports the DMR’s view of a resurgence in the sector, following the rise in commodity prices, which supported increased market capitalisation, as well as increased exploration activities, among others.
Work under way to finalise the Mining Charter, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill and the Vision 2030 for the sector, is expected to entrench investor confidence in the sector and bodes well for the further growth and development of the industry, the department noted on Friday.