1. China
As of 2024, China holds the top position as the world’s largest producer of gold. The country produced an estimated 383.2 tonnes of gold in that year, contributing to about 11% of the global gold output. The majority of this production comes from the province of Shandong, which is home to some of the nation’s largest gold mines. The state-run company, China National Gold Group Corp, dominates the production in China, being the largest gold producer in the country.
2. Australia
Australia is the second-largest global producer of gold, committing 325.1 tonnes to the gold industry in 2024. Most of Australia’s gold comes from Western Australia, and the country’s largest gold mine, Super Pit, is located in Kalgoorlie. This mine alone contributes nearly half of the country’s gold output.
3. Russia
Third on the list is Russia, with a production of 310.5 tonnes of gold in 2024. Russia’s largest mines are located in the Far East region and Siberia. The country’s gold mining industry is well-established with many major mining companies, with Polyus Gold leading the chart as Russia’s largest gold producing company.
4. United States
The United States generated around 200.2 tonnes of gold in 2024, making it the fourth-largest producer globally. Nevada is the key gold producing state, with the Carlin Trend being the most productive area. Giant mining firms like Newmont and Barrick Gold hold extensive operations in this region.
5. Canada
Canada follows the United States, contributing 180.2 tonnes of the precious yellow metal to the world in 2024. Canadian Malartic in Quebec was one of the largest gold mines in Canada this year. Companies like Barrick Gold Corporation and Goldcorp Inc. drive Canadian gold production, with significant extraction from the areas of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
6. Peru
Peru is the sixth-largest gold producer worldwide with a substantial 143.3 tonnes produced in 2024. Mining is a significant sector of Peru’s economy, and the nation is rich in mineral resources. The major gold-producing regions in Peru are Madre de Dios, La Libertad, and Ancash.
7. Ghana
Ghana in West Africa is the largest gold producer in Africa and the seventh-largest globally with an output of 142.4 tonnes in 2024. The Ashanti Gold Belt, which houses most of the country’s gold resources, has been mined for centuries. Multinational enterprises such as AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields manage the country’s gold mining activities.
8. Mexico
Mexico is the eighth-largest gold producer, adding 111.4 tonnes to the global gold production in 2024. The nation contains rich deposits of gold in areas like Sonora and Zacatecas. The Cananea mine, one of the largest gold mines in Mexico, significantly contributes to the country’s gold production.
9. South Africa
Once the dominant global producer of gold, South Africa is now ninth on the list. The country produced 90.0 tonnes of gold in 2024. The South Deep mine in Gauteng Province is one of the deepest gold mines in the world and also the seventh-largest in terms of reserves.
10. Uzbekistan
Rounding off the list of top 10 gold producing countries is Uzbekistan, with 84.9 tonnes of gold produced in 2024. The majority of the gold comes from the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combinat gold production conglomerate, which processes gold, silver, and uranium.
These countries have marked their presence remarkably in the global gold production chain with their substantial contributions. Their vast natural resources, technological advancements in mining and production have made these countries pivotal to the global gold industry. Their production of gold not only boosts their economies but also provides thousands of jobs, making gold production a key sector in these nations.