Many operators do not have the machinery and efficiency and they rely on cheap labour, which is not sustainable, say mainland producers
By Eric Ng
South China Morning Post
China has been the world’s largest gold producer for five consecutive years and is poised to overtake India as the largest consumer this year, but its miners of the precious metal lack scale and efficiencies.
The mismatch between output and efficiency highlights the need and opportunities for consolidation of the fragmented sector as well as technology upgrades, say analysts.
Weng Zhanbin, the president of Shandong-based and Hong Kong-listed Zhaojin Mining Industry, said China’s top 10 gold miners produced 184 tonnes of bullion last year, based on China Gold Association’s figures.
On the other hand, the world’s largest gold miner, Canada’s Barrick Gold, alone produced 240 tonnes of the precious metal.