Mining production in South Africa rose by 0.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with the third quarter of 2011 after two quarterly declines, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported on Thursday.

Eight of the 12 mineral groups and minerals contributed positively to the 0.3 percent increase, with coal being the main contributor with a 1.8 percentage point contribution.

Of the four mineral groups and minerals that contributed negatively, platinum group metals (PGM) was the biggest.

Despite the quarterly rebound, mining production was still down year on year.

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