China leads the way in gold production

In 2007, China surpassed South Africa as the world’s number one gold producer, generating an estimated 281 tonnes or 11% of global mine production. Today, China retains its lead, with last year’s national output climbing to more than 368 tonnes (ahead of Russia’s 331 tonnes and Australia’s 328 tonnes).

The shift in production accompanied a more general swing in gold demand from west to east as China is also the world’s biggest consumer of gold followed by India.

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