Barrick quarterly output gets boost from Dominican Republic mine

Implats isn’t the only one facing difficulties, with about half of the industry’s production estimated to be unprofitable.

Tiger expects to release a new Life of Mine Plan for the assets in 6-8 weeks.

Uncertainty around the charter has deterred investment into a sector that accounts for 8 percent of gross domestic product in the world's top platinum producer.

The IMF has warned the southern African nation is at high risk of debt distress, while investors have grown skeptical about the amount of external loans.

Gold production for the three months to June dropped 36% to 133,778 ounces as operations at two its three mines - Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi – were scaled back.

First Quantum, which operates the Kansanshi and Kalumbila mines in the country, accounted for more than half of Zambia’s copper production last year and is the biggest individual taxpayer.

Seaborne price for coal used in electricity generation scales $120 a tonne as South Africa diverts exports for domestic use and Asian demand spikes.

Production at Lucapa's 40%-owned Lulo project, in Angola, rose 20% during the June quarter.

Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe believes mines on care and maintenance are bad for the economy.