Which country is the largest producer of gold?

China is the largest gold-producing country in the world, with 370 tons of gold mined in 2021. Australia has the largest gold reserves in the world, estimated at 11,100 tons. This article explores the gold production statistics from the United States Geological Survey.
Which country mines the largest amount of gold
List of top 10 gold producing countries (tons of gold)

China is the largest gold-producing country in the world, with 370 tons of gold mined in 2021. Chinese gold production accounts for 12% of the total global output in 2021. Australia is the second-largest gold producer, with 330 tons of gold.

Russia is the third-largest gold-producing country, with 300 tons of gold mined in 2021. With 180 tons of gold mined in 2021, the USA is a significant gold-producing nation. The top three gold-producing countries account for about one-third of the total world output in 2021.

Top 10 gold producing countries in the world are:- (Source- US Geological Survey)

  1. China- 370 tons
  2. Australia-330 tons
  3. Russia- 300 tons
  4. USA- 180 tons
  5. Canada- 170 tons
  6. Ghana- 130 tons
  7. Mexico- 100 tons
  8. South Africa- 100 tons
  9. Uzbekistan- 100 tons
  10. Indonesia – 90 tons

The number one position of China in the gold production rankings will be challenged by increasing gold mining activity in Australia. In the last 6 years, gold output from China reduced by 18%, from 453 tons in 2016 to 370 tons in 2021. At the same time, the production of gold in Australia increased 14%, from 290 tons in 2016 to 330 tons in 2021.

Ghana is the fastest growing gold-producing country as gold output from Ghana raised 65% from 79 tons in 2016 to 130 tons in 2021. Gold mining in South Africa and Ghana is declining at the fastest rate. Peru’s gold production reduced 51% from 184 tons in 2016 to 90 tons in 2021. Similarly, gold output from South Africa decreased 52% from 210 tons in 2016 to 100 tons in 2021.

Contents

How much gold is produced in the world each year?

 The total quantity of gold mined worldwide in 2021 is 3,030 tons. The gold production in 2021 is at the lowest level in the last 6 years. In 2018 global gold output reached 3,300 tons. Gold production reduced in 2020 because of covid-related lockdowns. The world’s total gold production has not yet reached the pre-pandemic levels.

Gold Mining in 2016-2021
Total Gold Mine Production 2016-2021 (tons)

How much gold reserves are present in the world?

US geological survey estimates that the total Confirmed gold reserve in the world is 54,200 tons. With 3030 tons of gold produced, 5% of the total gold reserves were mined in 2021. The identified quantity of gold deposits changes with the discovery of new gold deposits and when mining companies recognize that actual gold discoveries vary from the initially estimated amounts.

Total confirmed gold reserves estimated in 2017 was 55,800 tons and 50,300 tons in 2019.

Gold Reserves in the world
Total Gold Reserves (Tons of Gold)

Which country has the largest gold reserve?

 Australia has the largest gold reserves in the world, estimated at 11,100 tons. One-fifth of the total gold deposits are found in Australia. With a wealth of other minerals and natural resources in the country, gold deposits make mining one of Australia’s most prominent industries.

Gold Reserves of countries
Countries with the largest gold reserves in 2021 ( in tons- Source-USGS)

 With 6,800 tons in Identified gold reserves, Russia has the second-largest gold reserves in the world. South Africa is the third-largest country, with 5,000 tons of gold reserves. As with the production of gold USA has significant confirmed gold deposits estimated at 3,000 tons.

48% of the world’s total gold reserves are found in the top four countries.

The below table demonstrates estimated gold resources located in each country in 2022- (Source- US Geological Survey)

  1. Australia- 11,100 tons
  2. Russia- 6,800 tons
  3. South Africa- 5,000 tons
  4. USA- 3,000 tons
  5. Indonesia- 2,600 tons
  6. Brazil- 2,400 tons
  7. Canada- 2,200 tons
  8. China- 2,000 tons
  9. Peru- 2,000 tons
  10. Uzbekistan- 1,800 tons
  11. Argentina- 1,600 tons

How much gold did China mine in 2021?

.China is the most significant player in world gold markets. China is the largest producer and consumer of gold. Currently, with 370 tons, China is the leading God producer in the world. The quantity of gold mining output in China reduced from 453 tons in 2016 to 370 tons in 20121.

Gold mining in China
Gold mine production in China (Tons)

 With 2000 tons of identified gold reserves found in China, It is ranked 8th among countries with high gold reserves. Chinese gold reserves account for 4% of total gold reserves found worldwide.

China’s gold production is primarily concentrated in the eastern provinces of Shandong, Henan, Fujian, and Liaoning.

 Shaxi Copper Mine, Jiaojia Gold Mine, and Dayingenzhuang Gold Mines are the largest gold mines in China.

Is Australia the largest gold producer?

Australia is the second-largest gold producer in the world, with 330 tons of gold mined in 2021. Australia currently trails China in gold production rankings. Still, the country is expected to become the largest gold producer in the future. Gold production in Australia has increased in the last 6 years, from 290 tons of gold mined in 2016 to 330 tons in 2021.

Gold Mining in Australia
Gold mine production in Australia (tons)

 Australia has all the capacity to overtake China and becomes the world’s largest gold-producing nation. The primary reasons for Australia’s dominance in gold production are the size of total gold reserves found in Australia and the solid and booming mining industry.

Western Australia accounts for 70% of all the gold output in Australia. The region also equates to 20% of total gold mining in the world. 11 out of the 14 largest gold mines are operated in Western Australia. Other Australian provinces like New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and Northern Territory also have operational Gold mines making Australia’s gold mining strong across the country.

 Australia’s largest gold mining companies are Cadia, Boddington, Tanami, and Kalgoorlie.

Currently, Australia is the country with the largest gold reserves. In 2021, the gold reserves of Australia had reached 11100. Gold deposits in Australia increased from 9,800 tons in 2017 to 11,100 tons in 2021.

Is Russia a significant gold producer?

Russia is the third-largest gold producer in the world, with 300 tons of gold mined in 2021. Russia’s gold production increased significantly from 253 tons in 2016 to the current level of 300 tons.

Gold mining in Russia
Gold mine production in Russia (tons)

 Russia has the second-largest gold reserves in the world, with 6,800 tons of gold. Russia’s identified gold reserves have increased from 5,500 tons in 2017 to 6,800 tons in 2021. 13% of total gold reserves in the world are in Russia.

More than 50% of Gold in Russia comes from the Eastern regions of Russia. Particularly 66% of gold comes from Amur, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Magadan, and Sakha Yakutia in Eastern Russia.

Polyus, Polymetal International, and Kinross gold are the largest mining companies in Russia.

Gold Mining in the USA

USA is the fourth-largest gold producer, with 180 tons produced in 2021. It is worth noting that gold mining levels in USA have been declining since 2017. Gold mining in the USA reached 245 tons in 2017, and slipped in the last 4 years to 180 tons in 2021.

Gold Mining in the USA
Gold mine production in the USA

 USA is a significant player in gold production, consumption, and trading. And also the country with the 4th largest gold reserves. USA has 3000 tons of confirmed gold reserves currently. USA accounts for 6% of the total gold reserves globally.

Nevada is the primary gold-producing state in America, accounting for 74% of gold mining in the USA. Gold is mined from 40 lode mines in 11 states in the USA, but 98% of gold production in 2021 was from 26 top gold mines.

Newmont, Barrick Gold, and Franco Nevada are the largest gold mining companies in the United States.

Gold mining in Canada

 Canada is ranked 5th in the list of the highest gold-producing nations in 2021. With 170 tons of gold mined in 2021, gold mining activity in Canada remained stable between 170- 180 tons annual mining in the last 6 years.

 The total identified gold reserves of Canada is 2,200 tons. Canada’s gold mines have 4% of the world’s total gold reserves.

Gold Mining in Canada
Canadian gold mine output and gold reserves

Most of the provinces in Canada have some amount of gold mining activities. Ontario accounts for 40% of all the gold mined in 2020, followed by Quebec with 30% of the gold mining. British Columbia accounts for 10% of the gold output from Canada.

 Barrick Gold, Gold Corp, and Kinross Gold Agino Eagle Mines are Canada’s largest gold mining companies.

Which is the Largest Gold Mining country in Africa?

Ghana is the largest gold-producing country in Africa, with 130 tons mined in 2021. Total gold mining output from Ghana increased significantly in the last 6 years. From the 79 tons of gold mining in 2016, Ghana’s gold production increased to 230 tons in 2019. Gold production in Ghana is remaining at the highest level in 2021.

gold mining in Ghana
Gold Mine production in Ghana (tons)

 Ghana is not only leading in the gold production charts, but the country also has significant gold reserves. With currently confirmed gold reserves of 1,000 tons, Ghana accounts for 2% of total gold reserves in the world.

AngloGold Ashanti (GANA) Ltd, based in Obuasi, AngloGold Ashanti (Induapriem) Ltd, and Gold Fields Ghana Ltd are the major gold mining companies in Ghana.

How much gold is mined in Mexico?

Mexico ranks 7th in the gold production charts in 2021, with 100 tons of gold mined in 2021. Gold production in Mexico is gradually decreasing in the last 6 years, from 117 tons in 2018 to the current level of 100 tons.

Gold mining in mexico
Gold mining output in Mexico (tons)

 The total identified gold reserves of Mexico are 1,400 tons of gold. Mexico accounts for 3% of the world’s gold reserves.

Sonora, Zacatecas, and Chihuahua are Mexico’s major gold mining regions. Canadian mining company Gold Corp is the largest mining operator in Mexico.

Is South Africa still rich in gold?

Gold mining activity has declined significantly in South Africa from its historic high levels. Based on annual gold production South Africa ranks at number 8 on gold mining charts. From 210 tons of gold mined in 2010, the gold production reduced to 100 tons in 2021.

Gold Mining in South Africa
Gold production in South Africa (tons)

Although annual production of gold is reducing, South Africa has the third-largest gold reserves with 5,000 tons of gold. South Africa accounts for 9% of the world’s total gold reserves.

 Kloof Gold Mine, Driefontein Gold Mine, and Impala mine are the largest gold mines in South Africa.

Is Uzbekistan Rich in Gold?

Uzbekistan is a consistent and significant gold-producing country, currently ranks as the 9th highest gold-producing nation. Gold mining in Uzbekistan reached 100 tons in 2021, a level of output the country has produced consistently in the last 5 years.

Gold mining in Uzbekistan
Gold production in Uzbekistan- 2016 to 2021 (tons)

With 1,800 tons of confirmed gold reserves, 3% of the world’s total gold reserves are found in Uzbekistan.

Does Indonesia have a lot of gold?

Indonesia is the 10th largest gold producer, with 90 tons of gold mined in 2021. Indonesia’s gold output reached a high level of 160 tons in 2019, which has reduced to 90 tons in 2021.

Is there lot of gold in Indonesia
Gold mine production of Indonesia 2016-2021 (tons)

 Indonesia accounts for 5% of total gold reserves worldwide, with 2,600 tons of gold in confirmed reserves.

Is there a lot of Gold in Peru?

Peru was a leading producer of gold in the early part of the 21st century. Increased mining activity regulations have reduced gold output from Peru. Currently, Gold mining from Peru is at 90 tons in 2021. Peru witnessed the most significant decline in gold production in the last decade as annual gold production reduced from 184 tons in 2010 to 90 tons in 2021.

Gold Mining in Peru
Gold mine production in Peru 2010-2021 (tons)

With 2000 tons of gold reserves found in Peru, the country accounts for 4% of total world gold reserves. Gold output rates from Peru may increase in the future.

Does Brazil have a lot of gold?

 Brazil is the second largest gold producer in South America. In 2021 gold mine production in Brazil reached 80 tons. The gold mining quantities in Brazil have been consistent over the last 5 years, between 80-85 tons.

gold mining in brazil
Gold mine production in Brazil 2016-2021 (tons)

 With the 2,400 tons of gold in confirmed reserves, Brazil accounts for 4% of total gold reserves worldwide. The country is ranked 5th in the Largest gold reserves.

Does Argentina have a lot of gold?

Argentina produced 60 tons of gold in 2021. Argentina’s gold mining output reduced from 72 tons in 2017 to the current level of 60 tons.

Gold mining in Argentina
Gold mine production in Argentina 2016-2021 (tons)

Argentina accounts for 3% of the world’s total gold reserves, with 1,600 tons of confirmed gold reserves.

Sources

I have studied various publicly available information from government sources and other public sources to prepare this article. Thank you for all the original data from the below sources.

US Geological Surveyhttps://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/gold-statistics-and-information

World Gold Councilhttps://www.gold.org/goldhub/data/how-much-gold

Western Australia Govhttps://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Investors/Gold-1480.aspx

Other Official Sourceshttps://mrdata.usgs.gov/

Other Official Sourceshttps://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gold/gold.pdf

Other Official Sourceshttps://www.mincom.gov.gh/operating-mines/

Other Public Sources-https://www.mining-technology.com/marketdata/five-largest-gold-mines-china-2020/

Other Public Sources-https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/minerals-metals-facts/gold-facts/20514

Other Public Sources- https://geo-mexico.com/?p=9658

Other Public Sources-https://www.kitco.com/news/2022-03-09/The-world-s-top-10-largest-gold-mining-companies-in-2021-report.html


To know more about Worlds Largest Gold ETFs continue reading- Which is the largest Gold ETF and what is the amount of gold invested by Gold ETFs?

To Know more on Gold Price Forecasts-https://moneygraphit.com/2021/07/31/gold-price-forecasts/

8 ways to Invest in Gold – 8 Ways to Invest in Gold

What is the cost of Producing one Ounce of Gold- https://moneygraphit.com/2021/10/23/how-much-does-gold-really-cost/

Please leave a comment on your gold price forecasts.

Jaimon Varghese, CFA
Jaimon Varghese, CFA

Jaimon Varghese, CFA writes on topics related to Finance, Investments and Economics. He is a CFA Charter holder and a member of CFA Institute, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

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