Miners of rare metals will score but the soaring oil price will result in various cost-of-living increases
The industry has lost 23 000 jobs since 2012, according to a Statistics South Africa census
The miners are in a comfortable position as the world creeps towards a lower-carbon future
Palladium, a metal that can be used instead of platinum by some manufacturers, has risen to $847 an ounce – its highest price in three years.
The metal’s futures for June delivery have risen to $823 an ounce, the highest since August 2011 as a result of concerns about a supply shortage.