Video News/Future Minerals Forum 2026

David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council, says gold’s strength is being driven by structural forces that extend well beyond central bank buying. Speaking with Kitco Mining at the Future Minerals Forum 2026, Tait points to sovereign debt risks, portfolio diversification needs, and rising institutional participation as key supports for long-term demand. He says concerns around debt sustainability are increasingly shaping investor behavior, describing them as “the prospects of a debt spiral runaway.” Tait also discusses efforts to modernize gold’s role in financial markets through digital ownership and improved usability as collateral. He highlights the importance of transparency and traceability in global gold supply chains, particularly in artisanal mining, and warns of social and environmental consequences if high prices persist without reform. Looking ahead, he says gold’s role as portfolio insurance remains intact amid uncertainty around debt, interest rates, and financial stability.