Jun 15, 2012· It is no less revered today — used in an array of products, from jewelry and computers to pregnancy tests and catalytic converters in cars. Gold prices in 2011 were 30 percent higher than in 2010, and global gold production rose from 2,560 metric tons to 2,700 metric tons ( million pounds to million pounds), according to the latest United States Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity .