/ 9 May 1997

Gold reserves up despite price drop

FRIDAY, 11.30AM

The value of SA’s gold reserves increased by R251-million to R5,3-billion last year, despite the gold price falling over R27 over the year to R1 363,30 an ounce, according to latest Reserve bank figures.

Foreign exchange reserves increased by R1-billion to R9,1-billion, bringing total gold and exchange reserves held to R14,1-billion. Foreign credit lines in use remained unchanged last month at R2,5-billion.