The country’s gold output fell 10,5% in May 2009 compared with the same month last year, Statistics South Africa said on Thursday.
South Africa is the world’s third-largest gold producer behind China and the United States.
However, South Africa’s position could soon come under threat from Australia, some analysts have said.
In its mining production data, Statistics SA said total mineral production was down 14,5% in May compared with the same month in the previous year.
Non-gold minerals production declined by 15,1%, the Pretoria-based agency said. — Sapa