South Africa’s gold output continues to fall, according to figures released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Thursday.
In June 2009, the country’s gold output fell 12,2% compared with the same month last year, Stats SA said.
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, Stats SA said total mineral production was down 7,3% in June compared with the same month in the previous year.
Non-gold minerals production declined by 6,4%, the Pretoria-based agency said. — Sapa