Gold-miners put in a strong performance on Thursday, buoyed by record prices achieved by the yellow metal in post-year-end trade this week.

The JSE gold-mining index rose 6,07% on Thursday, and five companies from the sector were among the bourse's top-20 gainers for the day.

Shares in junior Great Basin Gold, which is also listed in Toronto, increased in value by 9,47%, to close the day at R1,78 a share.

Majors Harmony Gold, Gold Fields and AngloGold Ashanti all posted gains of more than 6% a share, and Simmer & Jack Mines closed 4% higher.

In Toronto, the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index rose 3,8%.

Key movers included world-number-one Barrick Gold, which rose 6,09%, and Kinross Gold, which gained 3,4%.

Gold surpassed its highest level ever this week, to $869/oz on Thursday, after gaining more than 30% in value during 2007.

The previous high was set in January 1980, when the spot price of gold was fixed at a record of $850/oz.

The subprime mortgage crisis, high oil prices and a weak dollar, coupled with political unrest and uncertainty in Pakistan and Nigeria, have sent investors scurrying for 'safe-haven' investments like gold and platinum.

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