15 Countries With Some Of The World’s Largest Gold Finds

Gold has always been the shining symbol of wealth and power. Some countries seem to have struck it rich in ways that make you wonder if they’ve found the Earth’s secret treasure vault. So, let’s explore 15 countries that have made some of the world’s largest gold discoveries.

China

China’s gold discovery in the Wangu gold field of Hunan Province marks an extraordinary milestone in global mining history. This field, discovered in 2024, is believed to contain over 1,000 tonnes of gold—far surpassing any previous gold find.

Australia

Australia’s golden legacy is well known, and it all began with the legendary discovery of the “Welcome Stranger” nugget in 1869. Weighing an astonishing 3,524 ounces, it remains the largest gold nugget ever discovered. Since then, Australia has maintained its position as one of the world’s top gold producers.

United States

Gold has played a very important role in the development of the United States, with Nevada’s Carlin Trend standing as one of the world’s largest gold-producing regions. Discovered in the 1960s, this gold deposit has yielded over 87 million ounces. Even today, the Carlin Trend continues to produce vast amounts of gold.

South Africa

South Africa’s Witwatersrand Basin is known for producing almost 35% to 40% of all the gold ever mined in history. The mining operations at Witwatersrand have shaped not only the country’s economy but also its social and political scenario.

Russia

The Great Triangle nugget, weighing 1,277 ounces, is Russia’s largest gold find. Discovered in 1842, this historic find highlights Russia’s vast gold reserves. Today, Russia remains a major player in the gold industry, with new deposits and mining technologies boosting its output every year.

Mexico

Mexico has long been a source of gold, particularly in the states of Sonora and Zacatecas. The historic gold veins of the region continue to be mined, with Mexico ranking among the world’s top producers. As demand rises, Mexico’s gold reserves remain highly sought after.

Brazil

The Serra Pelada gold rush of the 1980s saw thousands of miners flock to Brazil in search of gold. Although the gold rush era has passed, Brazil remains a significant contributor to global gold production, especially from the Amazon region.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan may not be widely known for its gold production, but the Muruntau mine is considered one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. Since its discovery in the 1950s, Muruntau has been a major source of gold, contributing millions of ounces annually to the global market.

Canada

Canada’s gold-rich Canadian Shield, with its first discoveries dating back to the 1800s, continues to be a major player in global gold mining. Today, Canada remains one of the top gold producers, with new technologies and extensive reserves ensuring a strong position in the global market.

Indonesia

Home to the Grasberg mine in Papua, Indonesia is a key global gold producer. It yields over 1.2 million ounces of gold each year. Furthermore, the remote location and scale of the mine make it one of the most significant mining operations in the world.

Peru

Peru’s Madre de Dios region is rich in gold, with both legal and illegal mining activities shaping its economy. The region’s long history of gold mining continues today, with modern techniques extracting valuable gold from its rivers.

Ghana

Known as Africa’s top gold producer, Ghana’s Ashanti region is home to some of the continent’s largest gold reserves. Gold mining here dates back to the 15th century, and the country continues to top the charts in gold production today.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Vasilkovskoye mine plays a pivotal role in the country’s gold industry. Though not as well-known as other global producers, Kazakhstan’s mining operations are expanding. This growth positions Kazakhstan to continue increasing its share in the global gold market in the coming years.

Papua New Guinea

The Porgera gold mine, situated in Papua New Guinea, is one of the country’s most significant gold producers. Operating since the 1990s, Papua New Guinea’s gold-rich region makes it a notable player in the global mining sector.

Chile

Though Chile is primarily known for copper, its gold deposits, particularly in the Atacama Desert, continue to be a valuable resource. Gold mining in Chile has been ongoing for decades, and the country’s extensive mining infrastructure ensures it remains a consistent contributor to the global gold supply.