Foreign Media: Precious metals are both important financial assets and critical industrial raw materials—gold is renowned for its value preservation function, while silver and platinum-group metals are indispensable in manufacturing, clean energy, and the electronics industry. According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Geological Survey's "2026 Minerals Yearbook" based on economically recoverable reserves, global precious metal reserves exhibit a clearly differentiated distribution pattern.

In terms of gold, Australia ranks first globally with 13,000 tons, accounting for about 20% of total global reserves; Russia follows closely with 12,000 tons, representing 18%. Together, the two countries control nearly 40% of the world’s proven gold reserves, underscoring their long-term strategic importance. South Africa, once the dominant global gold producer, ranks third with 5,000 tons (8% share); Indonesia (3,600 tons) and Canada (3,200 tons) rank fourth and fifth respectively. The global gold reserve total is approximately 66,000 tons.

Global silver reserves are more widely distributed. Peru leads with 110,000 tons, accounting for 18% of the world’s total; Russia (92,000 tons) and Australia (91,000 tons) rank second and third, each holding around 15%. China ranks fourth globally with 67,000 tons (11% share), followed by Poland with 59,000 tons (10% share). The global silver reserve total is about 610,000 tons. As demand for silver continues to rise in sectors such as solar panels and electronic devices, its broad geographical distribution further enhances the strategic significance of these reserves.

Platinum-group metals show significantly higher concentration than gold and silver. South Africa alone holds 63 million kilograms, making up about 83% of global reserves—the world’s most crucial supplier. Russia accounts for 15%, ranking second. Zimbabwe, the United States, Canada, and other countries combined hold less than 3% of the global total. Platinum-group metals include platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium, which are widely used in automotive catalytic converters, electronics, jewelry, medical devices, and emerging hydrogen fuel cell technologies. These metals constitute highly strategic resources within today’s global supply chains.

Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1870418998000640/

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