(Yicai Global) Jan. 3 -- China's listed gold-related companies, including miners and smelters, soared in the afternoon trade, driven by the continuous rise of the regional gold price.

Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining [SHA:600988] rose 5.38 percent to CNY4.11 (USD0.6) as of 2.30 p.m. while Western Region Gold [SHA:601069] increased 2.28 percent to CNY14.33. Heavy metal processer Jingui Silver Industry [SHE:002716] soared 9.84 percent to CNY7.03.

The growth went against the overall trend in the country's bourses today so far. The Shanghai Composite Index was down 0.17 percent at 2,461.07 as of 2.30 p.m.

The gold price in Asia increased 0.75 percent to USD1,290.8 per ounce today, marking its highest level since the middle of last June.

Editor: William Clegg