creamer media

Gold continues to be regarded as a reliable safe-haven asset during periods of economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability. In 2024, the metal delivered its strongest performance in more than a decade, with prices breaching the $3 200/oz mark for the first time. The World Gold Council notes that this performance reflects gold’s diversified demand base – from jewellery and technology to bar and coin investment and central bank purchases – which helps to stabilise its role as an investment asset even as market conditions fluctuate.

In South Africa, however, the gold mining sector continues to face persistent challenges. The report highlights the worsening security environment, with illegal mining activities placing significant pressure on operations and reportedly costing the industry billions of rands a year. These issues are compounded by rising electricity tariffs and the urgent need for mining companies to accelerate decarbonisation efforts.

Creamer Media’s ‘Gold 2025: Breaking records’ report explores these themes, offering insights into global supply and demand trends, pricing movements, and progress toward more responsible gold production. It also reviews the South African gold sector’s performance, examining developments in labour relations, mergers and acquisitions, and investments in renewable energy. The report also provides operational updates on the country’s leading gold producers, as well as emerging mining companies, against a backdrop of rising costs and a constrained operating environment and rising gold prices.

Published on 12 May 2025.