South African gold production slips in Q2r

South Africa\'s gold production slipped 1.8% in the second quarter of 2011, compared to the same period last year, the S. African Chamber of Mines said Tuesday. Compared to the first quarter, production was up 6.4%, but the opening months of the year are historically slow, owing to holidays. While gold mining in South Africa has slipped over the last decade, the country remains one of the largest exporters in the world, accounting for more than 10% of global production. Repeated strikes by unions and rising costs of labour have hampered the country''s mining industry. The gold price in London dropped slightly from record highs in morning trading, but remained above 1,900 dollars an ounce. Some analysts expected the commodity could move higher, as investors seek out safe havens.