Top 10 Gold-Producing Countries in the World

Gold remains one of the world’s most strategically important metals, underpinning everything from jewellery and investment portfolios to central bank reserves. In 2025, global gold production continues to be dominated by a small group of countries with vast reserves, mature mining infrastructure, and long-established extraction capacity.

Together, these nations account for the bulk of the world’s annual gold output, shaping supply trends and influencing prices. Here’s a look at the top gold-producing countries in the world.

China is the world’s largest gold producer in 2025, with annual output estimated at 375–380 metric tonnes. The country has held this position for more than a decade, supported by extensive mining activity across provinces such as Shandong, Henan, Fujian, and Inner Mongolia. Unlike many gold-rich nations, China’s production comes primarily from a large number of medium-sized mines rather than a handful of mega-projects, creating a broad and resilient supply base.

What distinguishes China’s gold sector is that most of the gold never leaves the country. Strict export controls mean domestic output is largely absorbed by jewellery manufacturing, investment products, and the People’s Bank of China. Gold also plays a strategic role in China’s long-term financial planning, helping diversify reserves and reduce exposure to foreign currencies. As a result, China’s dominance affects global gold availability even without large export volumes.

Australia ranks second globally in gold production, producing approximately 310–320 metric tonnes in 2025. The country’s gold industry is concentrated in Western Australia, home to some of the world’s most productive and technologically advanced mining regions. Large-scale operations such as Boddington, Super Pit, and Telfer anchor national output and benefit from stable geology and long mine lives.

Australia’s strength lies in its regulatory stability, advanced mining technology, and strong exploration pipeline. Major international miners continue to invest heavily in Australian assets, viewing the country as one of the safest jurisdictions for long-term gold production. While output growth is gradual rather than explosive, Australia’s reliability makes it one of the most important stabilizing forces in global gold supply.

Russia produced an estimated 310–315 metric tonnes of gold in 2025, placing it among the top three global producers. Gold mining is spread across Siberia and the Russian Far East, with production dominated by large industrial operations rather than artisanal mining. Companies such as Polyus and Polymetal control much of the country’s output, operating some of the world’s largest gold deposits.

In recent years, gold has taken on heightened strategic importance for Russia. With sanctions limiting access to foreign financial systems, gold has become a key asset for reserve accumulation and trade flexibility. Much of Russia’s gold is either stockpiled domestically or redirected toward non-Western markets, reinforcing its role as both a mining power and a geopolitical actor in the gold market.

Canada produced roughly 200–210 metric tonnes of gold in 2025, maintaining its position as one of the world’s most reliable gold producers. Mining activity is spread across Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Nunavut, combining mature mining districts with emerging frontier regions. Canada is home to both large operating mines and a vibrant junior exploration sector.

Beyond production volumes, Canada plays an outsized role as a global mining finance and expertise hub. Many of the world’s largest gold miners are headquartered or listed in Canada, giving the country influence that extends far beyond its borders. Political stability, transparent regulation, and sustained exploration investment continue to support long-term gold output.

The United States produced approximately 170–175 metric tonnes of gold in 2025, with the majority coming from Nevada, one of the world’s most prolific gold-producing regions. Large open-pit operations dominate U.S. output, benefiting from advanced technology and economies of scale.

While the U.S. remains a major gold producer, output growth has been relatively flat. Long permitting timelines, environmental scrutiny, and rising operational costs have limited rapid expansion. Despite this, gold remains strategically important to the U.S., supporting domestic supply security and underpinning its role in global financial markets.

Kazakhstan produced around 130–135 metric tonnes of gold in 2025, continuing its steady rise as a major global supplier. Over the past decade, the country has invested heavily in modernizing its mining sector, upgrading infrastructure, and attracting foreign investment.

Gold plays a central role in Kazakhstan’s export earnings and central bank reserves. Much of the country’s production growth has come from the expansion of existing mines rather than new discoveries, reflecting a focus on efficiency and recovery rates. Kazakhstan’s importance in global gold markets continues to grow quietly but steadily.

Mexico produced approximately 120–125 metric tonnes of gold in 2025. While the country is better known as the world’s leading silver producer, gold mining has become an increasingly significant part of its mineral sector.

Gold is typically produced from large polymetallic operations, often alongside silver and base metals. Existing mines continue to deliver stable output, but regulatory uncertainty and permitting delays have slowed new project development. Even so, Mexico remains a key gold supplier in the Americas.

South Africa produced around 110–115 metric tonnes of gold in 2025. Once the undisputed global leader, the country’s gold output has declined sharply over the past several decades due to depleted reserves and rising mining depths.

Despite these challenges, South Africa remains symbolically important to the gold industry. Deep-level mining expertise developed here continues to influence global mining practices, even as production volumes gradually decline.

Ghana produced approximately 100–105 metric tonnes of gold in 2025, making it Africa’s largest gold producer. Gold mining is central to the country’s economy and export revenues.

Production is driven by a mix of multinational mining firms and domestic operators. While regulatory oversight has tightened, Ghana has managed to maintain strong output levels and remains one of the fastest-growing gold producers in Africa.

Uzbekistan rounds out the top ten with production of 95–100 metric tonnes in 2025. The country’s gold sector is dominated by state-owned operations, particularly the Muruntau mine, one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world.

Gold is a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s export strategy and foreign exchange reserves. Continued investment in modernization has helped sustain production, keeping the country firmly within the world’s top gold producers.