Gold, platinum lead JSE winners over the past 12 months

Gold mining shares were largely the star performers on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) over the past year, having started their strong rally some two years ago when the gold price began its upward trajectory in earnest and investors realised the trend was set to remain strong.

- Adriaan Kruger

Platinum mining companies started to catch up when the prices of platinum, palladium, and rhodium improved too, as well as the prices of byproducts such as chrome and copper.

Gold and platinum mining shares amounted to half of the 20 shares that increased the most over the past 12 months.

Eastern Platinum, off a low base, was ahead of the pack of mining shares with an increase of more than 200% since the end of September 2024.

DRDGold posted a gain of 188%, followed by Southern Palladium with an increase of 174%.

Gold and platinum producer Sibanye-Stillwater eventually joined the strong run after lagging other gold producers during the first part of the gold rally because investors seemed to prefer the gold mining companies that are not exposed to South Africa.

Lately, Sibanye-Stillwater's platinum interests have started to attract attention to the share.