Gold’s Demand Story Has Broadened Beyond Central Banks | David Tait

Gold’s rally is being driven by deeper structural forces than short-term headlines. Speaking with Kitco Mining’s Paul Harris at the Future Minerals Forum 2026 in Riyadh, World Gold Council CEO David Tait explains why demand for gold has broadened and what could ultimately change the trend.Tait says central bank buying remains an important foundation, with purchases still close to 1,000 tonnes, but argues gold’s role is increasingly portfolio-driven. He points to shifts in Japan’s investor base, rapid growth in India’s gold ETF market, and regulatory changes allowing Chinese insurers to allocate to gold, opening a multi-trillion-dollar pool of potential demand. At the core of the rally, he says, is concern over rising sovereign debt and the risk of a long-term debt spiral.“I can see six very, very, very strong reasons why the gold price should go higher,” Tait said, adding that only an unexpected success in managing debt through growth and lower interest rates could mark a turning point.He also outlines the World Gold Council’s work to modernize gold’s role in the financial system through digital infrastructure that could make gold easier to use as collateral, while warning that sustained high prices risk expanding informal mining and environmental damage if supply chains are not formalized.Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining & Kitco News YouTube channels to stay up to date on the latest industry news and interviews.00:26 – Structural Forces Driving Gold Demand02:20 – US Debt, Interest Rates, and the Gold Market04:50 – Digital Gold Reform and Artisanal Mining Risks11:29 – Gold Price Sustainability and Investor Behavior14:45 – Global and Social Implications of High Gold Prices17:26 – Outlook and Closing Remarks__________________________________________________________________Kitco Mining is dedicated to reporting on the mining industry. Our mandate is to be the top resource for all mining information and news, offering a clear perspective on where the industry is going through breaking news coverage, mining trends, and in-depth reporting, presented with precious, rare earth, base metals, and industry stock prices.Get important precious and base metal updates while on the go with the Kitco Gold LIVE! app - https://applications.kitco.comStay connected with usX - https://x.com/KitcoMiningInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kitcominingLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitco-miningFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/KitcoMiningConnect with the Kitco Mining anchorsPaul Harris - https://x.com/paulharrisgold For more in-depth mining coverage, visit us here - https://www.kitco.com/miningDisclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.