The lift comes as more US Federal Reserve officials join a chorus downplaying price pressures, Bloomberg reported, allaying some inflation concerns.

It was worth $1,898/oz at the time of writing.

It meant a positive session for most gold stocks in Toronto, where Canada-focused explorer Osisko Mining (TSX: OSK) was up 3.01%.

However Centerra Gold (TSX: CG) slid 4.67% as its woes continue in the Kyrgyz Republic, where the government has seized control of its flagship Kumtor mine for three months, citing health and safety concerns. 

Africa-focused developer Ivanhoe Mines rose 4.53% in Toronto, with copper production imminent at its Kamoa-Kakula joint venture in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On the TSX Venture Exchange, Noront Resources (TSXV: NOT) shot up more than 29% on news Australian mining billionaire Andrew Forrest's Wyloo Metals intended to make a premium offer for the remaining shares in the nickel-copper-palladium hopeful, valuing Noront at C$133 million.

Mining majors were lower in London, where Anglo American lost 2.36% and Glencore 2%.

Finally, key market futures were mixed.