olelog

China produced 276 metric tons of gold in 2007. That represented just over one-tenth of the world's supply, and pushes South Africa into second place, the first time the gold giant has lost its top ranking since 1905. China's gold reserves are relatively small (about 7% of the world total). Gold production has been concentrated in the eastern provinces of Shandong, Henan, Fujian and Liaoning. Lately, remoter western provinces such as Guizhou and Yunnan have attracted keen investment from Australia and Canada,

Driving China's output higher in 2007 was increased high-grade output by the hundreds of smaller small-scale mines responsible for much of the country's output. Most of China's gold output stays in the country where it's transformed into jewellery and manufactured items, though the country's export role is increasing.

Analysts say it is unlikely that South Africa will again become top gold miner.


• http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/china-now-worlds-largest-gold/story.aspx?guid=%7B8C528CE8-0262-485D-ACEB-2247D18282CB%7D
• http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/18/china-gold-production-markets-econ-cx_jc_0118markets02.html
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7246044
• http://www.chinamining.org/News/2008-01-18/1200641017d8739.html