The last year has seen some changes in global gold production rankings, both by country and by company.
It is interesting to see how the major producers of gold are faring in the grand scheme of things – both nationally and by company, given the continuing lowish gold prices pertaining over the past two to three years.
While one may sometimes argue with the methodology, and findings, of GFMS’ global gold supply/demand statistics the consultancy’s latest report on gold includes its estimates of the world’s top gold producing nations and companies which are not so controversial and there are some changes in position and outputs which are certainly worth noting.
We last produced a similar listing based on 2012/2013 figures from rival precious metals consultancy, Metals Focus, last May and while some of the GFMS statistics may vary a little from those of Metals Focus they broadly follow the same pattern and the overall figures are comparable – perhaps not too surprising given that Metals Focus was started by ex GFMS analysts and marketers.
Notably here, according to the GFMS estimates, China has continued to see increased gold output and remains comfortably the World No. 1. But the No.2 position is now occupied by Russia, which appears to have leapfrogged over Australia to attain this ranking with 9% output growth last year.
Former World No. 1 for many years, South Africa, is nowadays only in sixth place – and is now in danger of being overtaken by Canada, which has seen particularly strong growth in the past couple of years while South African output continues to slip. Indeed Canada provided the strongest growth (15%) amongst the major producing nations.
For the rest of this article and charts, click here: http://www.mineweb.com/news/gold/update-world-top-10-gold-producers-countries-miners/