* The FTSE/JSE Africa Gold Mining Index jumped as much as 14 percent to near the highest in almost three years. South African companies have also benefited from a weaker rand, which has cut domestic costs while boosting bullion priced in the South African currency.
* Silver climbed 2.3 percent to $15.6165 an ounce in London, touching the highest since October. Platinum gained 1.4 percent and palladium rose 0.5 percent.