South African mining output plunges on COVID-19 lockdown
2020-06-12 14:48:03 [Print]
South Africa's mining production fell sharply during March and April, when output was largely halted during a strict lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19, official data showed on Thursday.
Mines in South Africa, the world's biggest producer of platinum and chrome and a leading producer of gold and diamonds, were forced to shut temporarily when a nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 began in late March.
South Africa's total mining output fell 47.3% year on year in April and contracted 18.0% in March after rising in February and January, Statistics South Africa said.
Industry body the Minerals Council has estimated that mining production could fall by between 8% and 10% this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Open-cast mines have been allowed to work at full capacity since May 1, though deep-level mines - where social distancing is more difficult - were restricted to operating at 50% until the government allowed full capacity to resume from June 1.
Mines in South Africa, the world's biggest producer of platinum and chrome and a leading producer of gold and diamonds, were forced to shut temporarily when a nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 began in late March.
South Africa's total mining output fell 47.3% year on year in April and contracted 18.0% in March after rising in February and January, Statistics South Africa said.
Industry body the Minerals Council has estimated that mining production could fall by between 8% and 10% this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Open-cast mines have been allowed to work at full capacity since May 1, though deep-level mines - where social distancing is more difficult - were restricted to operating at 50% until the government allowed full capacity to resume from June 1.
