(Yicai Global) June 24 -- China's mainland stock markets started the day stronger with gold companies leading the way as prices of the precious metal hit a nearly eight-year high this morning.

The Shanghai Composite Index opened 0.08 percent higher at 2,972.98. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 11,813.36, up 0.16 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, rose 0.18 percent to 2,386.26.

Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining [SHA:600988] edged up 4.29 right at the start while Zijin Mining Group [SHA:601899] climbed 2.12 percent.

Editor: Emmi Laine