Lawrence Williams

ZURICH (MINEWEB) - The new Gold and Silver Mining focus report from Metals Focus notes that the Russian Federation surpassed the U.S. as the world’s No. 3 gold producer in 2013, while South Africa regained the No.5 slot from Peru as it increased output marginally by 1% over strike hit 2012, while Peru’s output fell back by 3%.

The No.1 and No.2 slots were retained by China and Australia respectivelyTop 10 World Gold Producing Countries 2012/2013

Rank Country 2012 output (Moz) 2013 output (Moz) Change YoY

Source: Metals Focus

As we have noted in previous articles, world gold production grew by around 5% compared with 2012 and Metals Focus anticipates a smaller further rise in global gold output in the current year, although the effects of the lower gold prices of the past two years may start to kick in in 2015 and we could start to see a period of secular decline in new mined gold output from 2015: Even if the gold price recovers as it will take time to re-implement deferred mining projects, or re-open shuttered operations.

For 2013 China comfortably retained its position as the world’s No. 1 gold producing country with a figure some 65% higher than second placed Australia. Looking ahead, South Africa, which dominated world gold output for almost a century up until the 1970s may not be able to hang on to its regained 5th place as the country’s aging mines are mostly seeing falling grades.

As to top gold producing companies, Barrick Gold comfortably retained its No.1 position ahead of Newmont and AngloGold Ashanti despite a 3% fall in output largely due to fairly sharp decline at Goldstrike in Nevada and Veladero in Argentina. Gold Fields fell down the table sharply, but that was due to the divestment of Sibanye Gold which came in as a new company at No.9. knocking Harmony down a place to 10th spot. With the take-over of Osisko, Agnico Eagle and Yamana could just work their way into the top 10 in 2014, while growing producers like Randgold Resources will be knocking on the door!

Top 10 World Gold Producing Companies 2012/2013

Source: Metals Focus

*Gold Fields divested itself of most of its South African operations into new company Sibanye Gold. Taking the two together output would have grown 6% y-o-y