1. China
At the top of the list, we find China which is the largest producer of gold in the world as of 2024. The country’s gold production has remained consistently at the top, with an estimated output of 380 tons. The principal regions for gold mining in China include Shandong, Henan, Fujian, and Liaoning provinces. Also, China happens to be the largest consumer and buyer of gold as well, which makes it a significant player in the global gold market.
2. Australia
Next on the list comes Australia. The land down under has seen its gold production soar in the last few years, reporting an output of 330 tons in 2024. The mining operations are primarily concentrated in Western Australia and Queensland. The Kalgoorlie Super Pit, one of Australia’s largest gold mines, contributes a significant portion to this output.
3. Russia
Russia, known for its vast resources, ranks third among the largest producers of gold. The country has several gold mining areas spread across its Siberian region and Far East. In 2024, Russia reported a gold production of 310 tons. The Polyus-operated Olimpiada mine remains the largest gold deposit in Russia.
4. United States
The United States is fourth on our list, with an estimated production of 200 tons of gold in 2024. The majority of its gold mining activities are based in the states of Nevada and Alaska. The Carlin Trend gold mines remain one of the largest gold discoveries in North America.
5. Canada
Slightly trailing behind the United States, Canada is the fifth-largest gold producer. The country extracted about 180 tons of gold in 2024, mainly from its operations in Quebec, Ontario, and British Colombia. The Canadian Malartic Mine, one of the country’s largest gold mines, remains a notable contributor.
6. Peru
Peru takes the sixth spot on the list of the largest gold producers worldwide. The country’s output was estimated at 150 tons in 2024. The gold mines are primarily situated in the Madre de Dios and La Libertad regions. Yanacocha is one of Peru’s largest gold mines.
7. Ghana
As the largest producer of gold in Africa, Ghana stands seventh globally. The country’s output for 2024 was recorded at 130 tons. The Ashanti Gold Belt, which hosts several high-grade gold deposits, is the primary source of Ghana’s gold production.
8. South Africa
One of the most gold-rich countries, South Africa ranks eighth in terms of gold production. In 2024, the country produced approximately 130 tons of gold, majorly from the Witwatersrand Basin, known for its vast gold resources.
9. Mexico
Mexico, being ninth on the list, contributed approximately 110 tons of gold in 2024. The country’s gold mining activities are primarily centered in the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Zacatecas. Penasquito, operated by Goldcorp, is one of the largest gold mines in Mexico.
10. Brazil
Rounding up our list of the top 10 largest gold producers is Brazil. Despite experiencing various challenges including environmental concerns, Brazil produced around 100 tons of gold in 2024. Most of its gold comes from the states of Pará and Minas Gerais.
While these numbers reflect the gold production figures reported as of 2024, it is important to keep in mind that they are subject to change due to factors such as geopolitical shifts, changes in mining regulations, market factors, and technological advances. It makes the landscape of gold production a fascinating and dynamic one to watch.