Global production of gold mines 2010-2023

In 2023, worldwide gold production stood at 3,000 metric tons. Gold is a transition metal known for its bright lustrous yellow coloring. For industrial purposes, its malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion and many chemical reactions makes it ideal for applications such as electrical connectors, infrared shielding, and gold leafing.

Key facts about the gold mining industry

The global mine production of gold has steadily increased following the 2008 economic crisis. In 2010, gold mine production worldwide totaled 2,560 metric tons, and it has surpassed 3,000 metric tons in each year since 2015. China is currently leading the global gold mining countries, with an estimated 370 metric tons produced in 2023, while Australia came in a close second, producing about 310 metric tons in the same year.

As of 2022, the world's most productive gold mine was the Muruntau mine complex, located in Uzbekistan. Gold can be mined through several different processes including placer mining, panning, sluicing, and dredging. Panning is a manual technique that uses a shallow pan filled with sand and gravel, that may also contain gold, to sort through the material. The precious metal can also be produced as a byproduct often with copper mining.

Gold's end uses

Gold is also highly valued as a precious metal for use in coins, investments, and jewelry. In the second quarter of 2023, gold's primary uses worldwide were jewelry production and as an investment, which accounted for about 491 and 256 metric tons of gold, respectively, at that time.