International News
Gold Surge Lifts Top 50 Mining Companies to $1.4 Trillion Despite Base Metal Slump
Precious Metals Drive Market Rebound as Trade Tensions and Battery Metal Weakness Persist
A powerful rally in gold prices has propelled the combined market capitalization of the world’s 50 most valuable mining companies to $1.4 trillion, offsetting sharp declines in copper and lithium stocks amid ongoing global trade tensions.
The sector added nearly $80 billion in value in early 2025, partially clawing back losses sparked by new U.S. tariffs that rattled global markets. While the rebound marks a positive turn, overall mining valuations remain approximately $400 billion below their 2022 peak.
The rankings, based on data as of April 17 to avoid early-quarter market volatility, show precious metals leading the resurgence. Gold soared to a record $3,420 an ounce, reshaping the industry’s top tier. Gold-related firms now represent one-third of the Top 50’s total value, and six new companies — the highest quarterly addition since tracking began — entered the rankings, helping Canada surpass Australia in total miner valuations for the first time.
Meanwhile, copper miners bore the brunt of commodity headwinds. A steep decline in copper prices erased $53 billion in market value, pushing out names like Lundin Mining and Poland’s KGHM. Their exits made way for gold-focused entrants such as Lundin Gold, which doubled its valuation to $10.1 billion.
South African producers Harmony Gold and Goldfields also saw gains on the back of the gold boom, while Russia’s Polyus and Norilsk Nickel maintained their standings despite facing ongoing sanctions and limited global trading access.
In contrast, lithium’s decline was stark. Once represented by six companies in the Top 50, only Chilean miner SQM remains following a price collapse that decimated market caps across the battery metals space. Rare earth companies continued to struggle, with only China Northern Rare Earth retaining a spot in the rankings.
The changing composition of the Top 50 underscores gold’s growing dominance amid persistent economic uncertainty. With Uzbekistan’s state-owned Navoi Mining preparing for a high-profile IPO, more gold miners could join the elite ranks in the months ahead.
In a landmark move toward ethical luxury, Chaumet has announced its commitment to 100% gold traceability across all its jewellery collections, beginning in 2025. This initiative will debut with the launch of a new Bee de Chaumet pendant, crafted entirely from responsibly sourced, traceable gold.
With a legacy spanning over 240 years, Chaumet has long drawn creative inspiration from nature—an ethos now deeply embedded in its sustainability journey. As part of the LIFE 360 programme led by parent group LVMH, the Maison is strengthening its environmental and social responsibility efforts, reflecting a broader commitment to nature conservation and ethical craftsmanship.
A member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and supporter of the Kimberley Process, Chaumet has also joined the Swiss Better Gold Association (SBGA), which champions sustainable development in artisanal mining communities.
The upcoming Bee de Chaumet pendant, adorned with the brand’s iconic bee motif, symbolizes this ethical shift. Every component—from the pendant and chain to clasps and rings—is made from gold that is 100% traceable and sourced through verified, responsible channels.
While not claiming to transform the mining industry overnight, Chaumet’s initiative marks a significant step in promoting transparency and integrity across the jewellery value chain—setting a high standard for the future of sustainable luxury.
As part of its outreach campaign for the upcoming Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition (SAJEX) and IIJS Premiere 2025, the GJEPC recently concluded a door-to-door initiative in Kuwait, engaging directly with key players in the local jewellery industry.
The GJEPC team met with 92 top retailers from key markets including Al Mubakariya, Souq Al Wataniya, Souq Al Sharq, and the Farwaniya Gold Market.
The focused meetings with leading retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers, offered insights into the Kuwaiti market’s preferences and dynamics. The response was highly encouraging, with strong interest expressed in attending SAJEX 2025, which is set to become a vital networking hub for the jewellery industry across the MENA region.
International News
De Beers CEO Al Cook Engages with GJEPC Leaders During Strategic Visit to Mumbai Office
Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, visited the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) office in Mumbai, reinforcing the group’s commitment to deeper collaboration with the Indian diamond industry. He was accompanied by senior executives including Paul Rowley, Executive VP – Diamonds Trading; Shweta Harit, Global Senior VP; and Amit Pratihari, VP of De Beers Forevermark India.
The visit follows the successful joint launch of the Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance (INDRA) earlier this year—a strategic initiative to boost India’s natural diamond retail ecosystem.
Mr. Cook and his team were welcomed by a distinguished delegation from GJEPC, including Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman; Russell Mehta, Advisor to the Chairman; Ajesh Mehta, Convener – Diamond Panel; Diamond Panel Members Anoop Mehta, Nilesh Kothari, Anil Virani, Manish Jiwani, Ashish Borda; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director.
The meeting featured in-depth discussions on pressing industry topics such as traceability, G7 compliance, funding challenges, U.S. tariffs, and marketing strategies, aimed at strengthening India’s global competitiveness in the diamond sector.
The engagement signals a continued partnership between De Beers and GJEPC to drive growth, innovation, and transparency across the diamond value chain.
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