On September 4th, the persistently high global gold prices have emerged as the core driver behind the robust growth in Australia's gold industry. According to a quarterly report from Melbourne-based gold consulting firm Surbiton Associates, gold mine production reached 76 tons in the quarter ending June 2025, representing a 3-ton increase from the previous quarter, or approximately 4% growth. OEXN noted that annual gold demand has maintained levels around 300 tons, demonstrating a close balance between market consumption and industrial supply. The high-price environment has not only stimulated production increases but has also significantly expanded overall industry profit margins.
The report further indicated that this financial year's gold production has reached its highest level since the 2022-2023 financial year, only slightly below the historical peak of 328 tons set in 1999-2000. OEXN believes this performance signifies strengthening industry resilience. Despite some mining areas gradually entering medium-to-low grade phases, the industry continues to achieve sustained growth under price-driven conditions. Surbiton Associates' data shows that companies have incorporated low-grade ore into their processing operations, accounting for over 15% of total quarterly feed. While this strategy reduces gold content per ton of ore, it effectively extends mine life and improves overall resource utilization rates. OEXN stated that this flexible operational approach not only demonstrates corporate market adaptability but also reflects the gold industry's competitive advantages within the global resource landscape.
Gold's price strength is equally reflected at the industry value level. The report shows that the 2024-2025 financial year's gold production value exceeded 500 billion Australian dollars (approximately 32.8 billion USD), with gold exports rising to become Australia's fourth-largest export commodity, trailing only iron ore, coal, and liquefied natural gas. OEXN believes that amid intensifying volatility in international energy and commodity markets, the gold industry's stability and safe-haven attributes provide crucial economic support. As global investor demand for precious metals continues to rise, gold export value potential is expected to be further unleashed, forming a complementary pattern with other core resources.
Surbiton Associates Director Dr. Sandra Close stated that the gold mining industry is not only highly efficient and productive but also plays an irreplaceable role in the national economic structure. She emphasized that gold export value nearly equals half of the combined total of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries exports, highlighting the gold industry's important position. OEXN further believes that with green transformation, monetary policy uncertainties, and changes in international capital flows, gold's strategic market value will continue to rise. The gold industry serves not only as an important pillar of the resource-based economy but will also become a focal point for investors, policymakers, and international markets in the future.