China News Service reported on January 27, 2011, that, according to the China Gold Association, China’s gold production in 2010 set a new world record at 341 tons. This represents an 8.6% increase from 2009. China has thus remained the world’s top gold producer for the fourth year in a row since it overtook South Africa in 2007. More than 500 counties in China produce gold. The gold industry has become the key industry and a major source of income for over 100 counties. The top five gold producing provinces are Shandong, Henan, Jiangxi, Yunnan, and Fujian. Collectively, they produce 60% of the national output. China’s gold market is also very strong. In 2010, China consumed 510 tons of gold for jewelry production, use in industry, and investment.
Source: China News Service, January 27, 2011
http://www.chinanews.com/fortune/2011/01-27/2817180.shtml