Mining output plunges

South Africa's mining output fell the most on record in March.

Johannesburg - South Africa's mining output fell the most on record in March, a result of last year's ramp up in mining activity after a five-month strike two years ago, a statistics body said on Thursday.

Total mining output plunged 18 percent in March year-on-year compared to an 8.3 percent drop the previous month.

“It's the biggest year-on-year drop ever,” Statistic South Africa statistician Juan-Pierre Terblanche said. “It's a base effect of last year when there was a big spike after the mines recovered fast after the strike.”

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Platinum mining companies Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin are still reeling from effects of the record 2014 pay strike and sustained low commodity prices.

REUTERS