TUESDAY, 11.00AM
SOUTH African gold production declined again in July, falling 4,5% to 39,81 tons from June’s 41,67 tons, according to latest figures from the Chamber of Mines.
The fall continues a trend thast has seen gold production progressively decreasing over the past few years to the level where the United States is in a position to challenge SA as the world’s biggest gold producer.
Production levels are significant as the latest wage deal in the gold mining industry hinges on increasing production by 90 tons over the next two years. Total SA gold production from January to July was 281,39 tons (287,07 tons last year).
BUSINESS BRIEFS
FOREIGNERS BUY SA SHARES OVERSEAS investors were net buyers of shares worth R591,2-million on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange last week, the JSE said on Monday. The figure showed the difference between sales of R1,33-billion against pruchases of R1,92-billion. The JSE says foreigners have been net buyers of R16,06-billion so far this year, more than three times the amount over the same period last year.
INTERAIR SUSPENDS FLIGHTS LOCAL carrier Interair has suspended all flights with immediate effect, citing concerns at airworthiness of its aircraft, maintained by Denel Aviation. However, claims in the industry suggest Interair has not been paying accounts and is experiencing a cash-flow crisis. Denel Aviation said issuing of airworthiness certificates for Interair aircraft had been halted pending payment of accounts. Denel Aviation said it will not perform maintenance work on two Interair aircraft in its possession until it is paid for previous work. Interair, which flies to several African destinations, has denied it is bankrupt.