Provenance
Gold is mined on every continent except Antarctica, with China, Australia, Russia, and the United States being top producers. Silver is often a byproduct of gold, lead, and zinc mining, with Mexico, Peru, and China as leading producers. South Africa dominates platinum production, while Russia is the largest palladium producer.
Impact
Precious metals play a vital role in both industry and finance. Gold serves as a stable store of value, supporting global financial systems. Silver’s industrial applications, particularly in electronics, drive technological innovation. Platinum and palladium are crucial for automotive industries, supporting cleaner transportation technologies.