SOUTH Africa’s gold output continues to fall, according to figures released by Statistics South Africa yesterday.

In June 2009, the country’s gold output fell 12.2% compared with the same month last year . South Africa is the world’s third-largest gold producer behind China and the US.

However, South Africa’s position could soon come under threat from Australia.

In its mining production data, Statistics SA said total mineral production was down 7.3% in June compared with the same month last year.

Non-gold minerals production declined by 6.4%, the Pretoria-based agency said. — Sapa