Australia’s gold output has hit its highest level in 11 years. The production of gold rose by four per cent in 2014 to 284 tonnes, its highest level since 2003. According to Sandra Close, director of mining consultancy firm Surbiton and Associates, lower prices forced Australian gold miners to increase the grade of ore they were targeting and push their processing plants even harder. However, Close warned there was a downside to producing gold in this manner. "Superficially, the figures give the impression of a healthy and vibrant industry but you need to dig a little deeper to get the whole picture. It’s not all ... (full story)