{
  "id": 14212756,
  "title": "South Africa’s mining output slumps 12.7% as rising costs add to industry pressures",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/south-africas-mining-output-slumps-12-7-as-rising-costs-add-to",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-13T13:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/business/economy/2026-10-13-south-africas-mining-output-slumps-127-as-rising-costs-add-to-industry-pressures/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa's mining industry has experienced a significant 12.7% year-on-year decline in production in August, following a revised 7.0% slump in July. The decline was largely driven by a 6.1% drop in platinum group metals (PGMs), as well as 3% and 2.4% reductions in coal and iron ore production, respectively. In contrast, chromium and manganese contributed positively to the overall outcome, with their combined increase of 0.9% outperforming other bulk commodities hampered by logistical difficulties and reduced global demand. Energy-intensive mining continues to face challenges due to rising input costs stemming from the war in the Middle East, which has led to a sharp increase in fuel prices throughout the year. This resulted in the Mining Composite Input Cost Index (MCI) rising by 3.7% year-on-year in August, slightly down from the July reading of 3.8%. Other domestic issues include logistical bottlenecks, poor infrastructure, and the exorbitant cost of electricity, which has surged by approximately 1,185% between 2003 and 2025. The Minerals Council South Africa noted that few businesses, especially energy-intensive industries like smelters, can endure such substantial cost hikes while remaining globally competitive. However, mining has been recognized as one of three key economic sectors in the Government-Business Partnership's third phase.",
  "summary": "South Africa’s mining production plunged 12.7% in August as rising fuel and electricity costs, logistical bottlenecks and weaker global demand added to pressure on the sector.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 11,
    "also_reported_by": [
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/australia-strikes-twice-as-south-africa-clings-on-in-tense-last-day-14175981",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/australia-beats-south-africa-by-a-dominant-214-runs",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/australia-beats-south-africa-by-a-dominant-214-runs-14189580",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/bavuma-focused-on-south-africa-response-after-first-taste-of-defeat",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/majority-rejects-minoritys-claims-over-gh-49-7m-south-africa",
        "published": "2026-10-13T14:50:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}