The World Gold Council today launched a one-off essay collection, Gold 2048, bringing together industry-leading experts from across the globe to analyse how the gold market is set to evolve in the next 30 years. Specific essays include:

• Gold mining: on the cusp of change – Michelle Ash, Chief Innovation Officer at Barrick Gold Corporation. Gold mining has evolved considerably over the past 30 years, but even greater change may lie ahead. She assesses the future (the picture shows the Barrick production profile)
• Gold production: a changing world – Mark Fellows, Head of Mine Supply, Metals Focus. Gold mining has become geographically diverse and production has almost doubled over the past 30 years. But significant challenges lie ahead, as leading precious metals consultancy Metals Focus, explains
• A sustainable pathway for the gold industry – Brent Bergeron, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Goldcorp. Stakeholders across the gold industry are increasingly concerned about environmental, social and governance issues. Bergeron considers how gold mining companies should best respond over the coming decades.

Key conclusions emerging from authors such as George Magnus, senior economist; Rick Lacaille, Global Chief Investment Officer of State Street Global Advisors; and Ash include:

• The expanding middle class in China and India, combined with broader economic growth, will have a significant impact on gold demand
• Use of gold across energy, healthcare and technology is changing rapidly. Gold’s position as a material of choice is expected to continue and evolve over the coming decades.
• Mobile apps for gold investment, which allow individuals to buy, sell, invest and gift gold will develop rapidly in India and China
• Environmental, social and governance issues will play an increasing role in re- shaping mining production methods
• The gold mining industry will have to grapple with the challenge of producing similar levels of gold over the next 30 years to match the volume it has historically delivered.

Aram Shishmanian, CEO of the World Gold Council commented: “Since its creation in 1987, the World Gold Council has worked with policymakers, regulators and industry participants to drive understanding of and, ultimately, demand for gold.

“The next 30 years will no doubt bring significant changes – some we anticipate, some that none of us predict. I am delighted that in Gold 2048 we have brought together a stellar set of contributors – economists, investment managers, leaders in the mining industry, as well as our own specialists – to consider the global trends and dynamics that will drive this fascinating market forward.”

The full collection is available for download here: https://www.gold.org/research/gold-2048