In the years following the global lockdowns of 2020, the world has been repeatedly reminded of the true value of real, tangible assets—the food we eat, the homes we live in, the clothes we wear, the critical minerals that power our daily lives, and perhaps most importantly, our money. The year 2024 was no different. The Canadian Dollar lost another 7% of its purchasing power against the U.S. Dollar, and other world currencies followed suit, eroding the very definition of money as a store of value over time.
While fiat currencies continue their decline, those in control of the global financial system have shifted their priorities. Since 2020, central banks and governments have moved away from holding foreign debt for yield and instead turned their focus toward acquiring strategic, hard assets—with gold and silver at the center of this rush.
Even developing nations have made gold a priority. Ghana, which previously held 19 tonnes of gold (19 times more than Canada…), added 11 tonnes to its reserves in 2024 alone—a 57.89% increase. Meanwhile, Nigeria, with its 21.37 tonnes of gold and a population of over 230 million, formally joined BRICS+ in January 2025, further strengthening the bloc’s influence.
This trend is not limited to smaller economies. The world’s financial superpowers—the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada—have accelerated their accumulation of precious and strategic commodities. What was once a quiet accumulation has now turned into an all-out sprint, as nations scramble to secure dwindling supplies of gold, silver, and critical minerals.
The Race Intensifies – January 2025
Below are key events from the first month of 2025, demonstrating just how quickly this rush has escalated:
January 9, 2025 – U.S. and Denmark Pressure Greenland on Rare Earth Metals
The U.S. and Danish governments spent 2024 lobbying Greenland’s largest rare-earth producer not to sell to China. Currently, China dominates the extraction of these critical minerals, and Western nations are scrambling to secure their own supplies.
January 10, 2025 – U.S. Department of Defense Sounds the Alarm
Pentagon official Adam Burstein stated:
“Securing critical minerals is essential to the defense industrial base, which relies on them for everything from drones and fighter jets to submarines.”
Although silver was not explicitly mentioned, it is widely used in missiles, aircraft, night vision goggles, and more—highlighting its importance to military operations.
January 12, 2025 – UK Urged to Stockpile Critical Minerals
The UK Critical Mineral Intelligence Centre warned that Britain must open new mines or risk severe supply shortages. In the meantime, they recommended immediate stockpiling of critical minerals.
January 17, 2025 – U.S. Debt Crisis Sparks Panic
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced that the U.S. would need to take “extraordinary measures” to avoid a debt default. If the U.S. were to default, trillions in foreign reserves held by nations like Japan, China, and Canada could be wiped out instantly.
January 27, 2025 – $1 Trillion Stock Market Collapse
The U.S. stock market lost over $1 trillion in a single day, nearly matching the losses of the Dot-Com Crash of 2000. Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company, lost nearly $600 billion—the largest single-day drop in history.
Meanwhile, on that same day:
- Gold dropped just $8 USD
- Silver lost only $0.08 USD
Both metals continued to rise afterward, demonstrating their strength during financial turmoil.
January 28, 2025 – Canada’s Strategic Mining Investment
Foran Mining Corporation signed a $41 million CAD agreement with Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund to boost critical mineral production, particularly copper—which is a major source of silver as a byproduct.
January 28, 2025 – New U.S. Treasury Secretary Hints at a Golden Future
Scott Bessent, confirmed as the new U.S. Treasury Secretary, had previously stated:
“I think we’re in a long-term bull market in gold. We’re seeing reserve accumulation by central banks.”
His appointment aligns with Donald Trump’s repeated claims that the U.S. is entering a “Golden Age.”
January 29, 2025 – COMEX Demands Gold from London Vaults
The New York COMEX bullion vault placed urgent orders for $82 billion in gold from London, fearing rising costs due to Trump’s new tariffs on multiple countries, including Canada. The delivery wait time jumped from a few days to 4-8 weeks.
This is exactly why holding physical gold and silver in your possession is critical.
January 30, 2025 – U.S. Ramps Up Gold Imports from Switzerland
The U.S. imported 401 tonnes of gold over the past two months—the highest level since 2022, when central banks made record purchases. To put this into perspective, in December 2023, the U.S. imported just 3.3 tonnes from Switzerland.
A “Golden Age” or a Time of Reckoning?
The world is undergoing a massive financial shift. Governments, institutions, and individuals with foresight are securing as much gold, silver, and critical minerals as possible. The question now is:
- Will this “Golden Age” bring prosperity for all?
- Or will it mark the return of gold as the dominant form of money, rewarding only those who prepared in advance?
Time will tell. But one thing is certain—those who own physical gold and silver will be in the strongest position.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Secure your wealth with Coastal Treasures.
