(Yicai Global) Jan. 21 -- China's raw gold production dropped 5.21 percent to 380.23 tons last year because of environmental rules, but the country was still the world's largest producer of the precious metal for 13 straight years, the latest figures from China Gold Association show.

Consumption of the element also slid 12.91 percent to 1,002.78 tons in 2019, the association announced today. Rising prices dented purchases of gold jewelry and deterred investors.

Editor: Ben Armour