World output of gold in 2018 was 3,502.6 metric tonnes or 112.6 million troy ounces, up a whopping 709 tonnes or nearly 30m ounces since the start of the decade according to London-based mining and metals consultants Metals Focus and the World Gold Council. China cemented its spot at the top of the list with a 39 tonnes increase in gold produced during the year. South Africa ranked number one in the world for a century before losing the top spot to China in 2007, which has held it since. China is in danger of losing its no 1 ranking over the next few years as Canada and Russia ramp up production with the European ... (full story)