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Over the past few days, news has emerged that Russia boosted its gold reserves for the sixth straight month in September. The 37.2 metric ton expansion, valued at $1.5 billion, took the country’s stockpile to 1, 149 tons in total. How does that compare with other countries across the world?
The United States is the world’s biggest hoarder of gold by far with a stockpile of 8, 133 tons. Germany has about 3, 384 tons while the United Kingdom has about 310. Interestingly, gold accounts for 10 percent of Russia’s total reserves compared with 71 percent for the United States.
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Statistics and facts about gold
Gold has always been one of the world’s most precious and coveted metals. Rarity is the primary reason for its value. Estimates on global reserves are not much higher than 54, 000 metric tons. The countries with the largest estimated reserves are Australia, South Africa, and Russia. Approximately 2, 800 metric tons of gold was produced worldwide in 2013. Currently, China is the world’s leading producer of gold, followed by Australia and the United States.
Among gold mining companies, Barrick Gold from Canada is the global leader with a market share of some nine percent. Barrick Gold announced revenue figures of 12.5 billion U.S. dollars for 2013. In the same year, the company produced 7.2 million ounces of gold. Newmont Mining from the U.S., and AngloGold Ashanti from South Africa are the next largest gold producers. M&A activities in the gold mining sector are very vibrant. Taking all mining and metal deals into account for 2013, gold was the most targeted commodity, both by value and number.
As the number three in global gold production, the United States produced some 227 metric tons in 2013. Nevada is by far the U.S. state with the highest gold production. Five out of the top ten U.S. gold mines are located in Nevada. Interestingly, the United States recycled some 200 metric tons of new and old scrap, while reported gold consumption came to some 160 metric tons in 2013. The United States has the largest official gold holding of any country worldwide. Approximately 8, 100 metric tons of gold is held by the United States.
Over the last decade, global demand for gold has increased constantly, marking a new record high of over 4, 700 metric tons in 2011. This, of course, has influenced the global price of gold. Gold has reached an annual average price of almost 1, 670 U.S. dollars in 2012. For example, the price stood at some 271 U.S. dollars in 2001. This makes it clear that gold is still one of the world’s most coveted commodities and most rewarding investments.
You will find more statistics at Statista
