Platinum 2013: A review of South Africa's platinum sector

South Africa is the world’s leading platinum producer and accounts for more than 70% of global supply. However, output from the country was put under pressure in 2012, as a series of work stoppages across the western limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex affected major platinum mining companies, including the world’s three largest platinum miners – Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin. These challenges, among others, have persisted in 2013. However, research firm Frost & Sullivan contends that the long-term fundamentals of South Africa’s platinum mining industry remain attractive, despite the challenges facing the sector, although ongoing union strife can potentially reverse the progress made towards resolving the sector’s challenges. Creamer Media’s Platinum 2013 report examines South Africa’s platinum sector business environment, with particular focus on labour activities, safety stoppages and operation closures in the sector in the past 12 months. It also focuses on the main participants, their operations, projects and exploration activities, as well as other platinum miners and explorers in this sector.