South African mineral sales rose 58.3% year-on-year to R78.6 billion in February 2026. This followed a 31.6% year-on-year increase to R81.6 billion.
Statistics South Africa Said to have increased by 43.5% year-on-year in the first two months of 2026.
february 2026 details
The largest positive contributors to the February 2026 increase were: gold (up 397.6%), PGMs (up 132.1%) and chromium ore (up 53.8%).
The biggest critics were “other” nonmetallic minerals (-55.9%) and manganese ore (-22.9%).
2025 mineral sale
Mineral sales to increase by 7.3% to R861 billion in 2025. Although mineral sales increased 47.81% year-on-year to a record R94.1 billion in December 2025, annual total sales for 2025 were still below the 2022 total of R883.7 billion.
December 2025 sales led by gold
Although gold sales have been lower than platinum group metals (PGM) over the past few years, the surge in gold prices in 2025 means gold sales are once again in top position.
In December 2025, gold sales accounted for one third or 33.4% of total mineral sales of R31.5 billion. PGMs were in second place with a quarter share or 24.5% at R23.1 billion. Coal rounded out the top three with a 16.2% share at R15.2 billion.
bulk export Iron, chrome and manganese ores are also significant contributors to mineral sales with sales of R6.9 billion, R6.1 billion and R4.5 billion respectively.
volatility in gold sales
Gold sales in 2025 have been unusually volatile, ranging from just R4.0 billion in February 2025 to R31.5 billion in December 2025. Gold sales in 2026 were less volatile at R19.7 billion in January and R20 billion in February.
possibilities
If mineral sales from the first two months of 2026 are maintained for the entire 2026 year, sales could exceed R1 trillion. This total number could be even higher as production from the new Platreef PGM, nickel, copper and gold mines increases.