Move On and Move Forward

Normally news medias financial analysis is just about skin-deep, but I found this one (of biz.thestar.com.my) has some depth which I am inclined to buy the story... I said so not because I have long position in Gold :D

...Third, the fall in global supply also contributed to the rise in the price of gold. In 2007, global supply of gold dropped 3.0% year-on-year to 3,469 tonnes.
Mine production sagged 2.9% year-on-year to a 10-year low of 2,047 tonnes (2,108 tonnes in 2006). Over 2004 to 2007, the top suppliers have cut their production levels as a result of rising exploration and mining costs. For example, South Africa, the US, and Australia cut their production by 36.3%, 15.5%, and 28.9%, respectively to 272 tonnes, 250 tonnes, and 251 tonnes by 2007.
Only China has consistently raised its production levels from 172 tonnes in 2004 to 270 tonnes in 2007...