Gold and Silver Industry & Investing News

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with eight other government departments, has released an ambitious action plan to transform the nation’s gold industry from 2025 to 2027. The strategy focuses on four key pillars: high-end development, intelligent operations, environmental sustainability, and enhanced safety standards. The plan sets specific targets including a 5-10% expansion of gold resources and over 5% growth in gold and silver output. Major technological breakthroughs are expected, with large-scale mining operations (processing 500+ tonnes daily) projected to dominate 70% of the industry. The initiative also prioritizes green mining practices and digital transformation through AI integration....

A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Iran has been reached following 12 days of unprecedented direct conflict between the two nations. The deal, announced by President Trump who helped broker it, has been met with guarded optimism from world leaders. However, concerns about the agreement’s durability emerged quickly, as both countries accused each other of violations shortly after the cease-fire went into effect. International reactions have been measured, with leaders acknowledging both the positive development and the fragility of the situation. President Macron of France noted the situation remains “volatile and unstable,” while Qatar’s prime minister described the cease-fire as...

A survey of 75 central banks shows a major shift away from the US dollar. Following President Trump’s April 2 tariffs, central banks are rapidly diversifying their $5 trillion in reserves. Gold is the biggest winner—40% of banks plan to increase holdings over the next decade, adding to already record purchases. The dollar dropped from first to seventh place in investment preferences, with 70% of banks citing US politics as a deterrent. The euro is rebounding and could reach 25% of reserves by 2030, while China’s yuan is expected to triple its share to 6%. For the first time since...

Gold experienced a significant selloff on Tuesday, falling 1.4% to $3,322.09 per ounce—its lowest level since June 11—as geopolitical tensions eased following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran. The reduced conflict diminished gold’s appeal as a safe-haven investment, leading to increased risk appetite in global markets, with stocks surging and oil prices tumbling. However, the ceasefire faced immediate challenges as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered military strikes on Tehran, citing alleged violations. Despite the volatility, analysts remain optimistic about gold’s medium-term prospects. ActivTrades sees strong support at $3,300, while ANZ forecasts a rally to $3,600 by year-end...

Bank of America analysts are forecasting a significant surge in gold prices to $4,000 per ounce over the next year, representing an 18% jump from current levels. This prediction comes after gold has already experienced a remarkable 30% gain this year, reaching an all-time high of $3,500 in April during the US-initiated tariff war. However, the bank’s analysts challenge the conventional view that geopolitical conflicts drive gold prices long-term. They note that gold actually dipped 2% following Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, suggesting that wars aren’t sustainable price drivers for the precious metal. Instead, BofA attributes the potential rally to...

Gold’s inability to sustain levels above $3,400/oz on three recent occasions might appear concerning, but UBS investment strategists argue this shouldn’t deter investors from maintaining gold positions. After struggling to break $2,100/oz until February 2024, gold has surged over 60% in 15 months, driven by both traditional factors (interest rates, inflation) and emerging concerns (trade conflicts, policy uncertainty). Central bank surveys reveal these factors remain highly influential in reserve allocation decisions. UBS recommends a 5% gold allocation for balanced portfolios, with a price target of $3,800/oz. For indirect exposure, gold miner bonds offer attractive 6% yields, benefiting from improved operational...

The US dollar strengthened and oil prices jumped on Monday after US strikes on Iran heightened geopolitical tensions. While markets have remained relatively calm so far—with the S&P 500 only 3% below its all-time high—investors are watching closely for Iran’s response. The biggest concern is whether Iran might block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, which could significantly impact global energy supplies and prices. Despite the tension, some market watchers believe any downturn may be limited since investors have already been preparing for potential escalation.

Gold prices hitting record highs above $3,300 per ounce have intensified conflicts between corporate mining operations and illegal “wildcat” miners across West Africa. Major companies like Gold Fields, Newmont, and AngloGold Ashanti are deploying drones and seeking military protection as confrontations turn deadly—nearly 20 illicit miners have been killed since late 2024. The illegal mining sector supports 10 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, with 3-5 million in West Africa alone, accounting for 30% of the region’s gold production. Many locals turned to wildcat mining after corporate operations displaced communities without fulfilling job promises. However, sophisticated criminal networks, including foreign-funded operations,...