Mining Output Falls 10.7% in September

Mining production and mineral sales both declined year-on-year in September 2026, with platinum, iron ore, coal and diamonds among the main contractions.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Economic Indicators

Wide photograph of an open-pit mine edge in ochre-red earth, with rows of ore stockpiles and a conveyor belt under a hazy highveld horizon. — South African mining output fell 10.7% year-on-year in September, while mineral sales at current prices dropped 4.1%, with platinum, iron ore, and coal leading the declines. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mining production contracted 10.7% year-on-year in September 2026, while mineral sales at current prices decreased 4.1% over the same period. Declines were recorded across several key commodities in the third quarter.

Why it matters

The contraction in mining output and sales feeds into South Africa's broader economic performance, given the sector's weight in exports and industrial activity. Shifts in production volumes across major commodities indicate pressure on one of the country's core economic pillars.

The figures are official mining production and sales releases, showing a 10.7% year-on-year drop in September output and a 4.1% fall in sales at current prices. The reasons behind the sharp declines, particularly the 63.1% fall in diamond production, are not addressed in the source data.

The details

Third-quarter figures show platinum group metals production down 12.5%, iron ore down 6.5% and coal down 3.5%, while copper, chromium ore and manganese ore output rose. On a year-on-year basis, iron ore sales fell 23.1% and platinum group metals sales fell 7% in September.

September 2026: Mining production contracted 10.7% year-on-year and mineral sales at current prices decreased 4.1%.
Third quarter 2026: Quarterly production contractions were recorded for platinum group metals, iron ore and coal, with increases in copper, chromium ore and manganese ore.

Economic Indicators

This release forms part of Statistics South Africa's monthly mining production and mineral sales series, which tracks the sector's output and sales against prior-year levels. The September 2026 contraction adds to the record the series keeps on mining's performance within the wider economy.

Lower mining output can affect employment and export earnings in mining regions, which may influence household incomes and local economic activity. Consumers are unlikely to see direct price effects from this data alone, but sustained declines could feed into broader economic conditions.

The takeaway

Tracking monthly mining production helps readers gauge the health of one of South Africa's most important economic sectors. Watching whether declines persist across coming quarters will show whether the September contraction is a one-off or part of a longer trend.