Gold, the malleable yellow metal found in jewelry, technology, dentistry, and in bars held by central banks or traded by investors, is a limited natural resource in high demand. 2,500 to 3,000 tons of new gold is mined each year, which makes up 75% of the annual gold supply. Recycled gold contributes the remaining 25%.

Gold mining takes place on every continent except Antarctica, but the top global gold-producing countries are China, Russia, Australia, the United States, and Canada.

Just under half of the gold mined today is made into jewelry. The global demand for gold comes from diverse segments of the economy and is affected by macro-economic drivers as much as by socio-cultural factors or geo-political forces. The gold market is said to be self-balancing, which contributes to gold’s desirability as an investment asset.

Since the 1970s, the amount of gold purchased each year has grown by 200% and gold markets continue to flourish – especially the market for gold that is demonstrably produced with minimal negative impacts on people and the environment. That makes responsible, efficient gold mining in a pro-mining jurisdiction a worthwhile investment.