Gold has always been very valuable. According to experts, about 209,000 tons of gold have been mined throughout human history. Since gold is virtually indestructible, much of the gold ever mined still exists today.
The total amount of surface gold ever produced worldwide is estimated to be about $12 trillion. This stock is distributed across various sectors. Jewelry accounts for 46% of the total, approximately 95,547 tons, and is worth $6 trillion. The central bank holds 17%, equivalent to 35,715 tons, worth $2 trillion. Bars and coins accounted for 21%, totaling approximately 43,044 tons, worth $3 trillion. Physically backed gold ETFs account for 2%, or approximately 3,473 tonnes (valued at $0.2 trillion), with the remaining 15% primarily for industrial use and holdings by financial institutions.
Approximately three-quarters of the gold they extract comes from mining, and the remaining quarter is recycled. Mining is fairly evenly distributed around the world, with no single country accounting for more than a quarter of the total volume shipped. This design provides stability and reduces the chance of significant supply issues. For this reason, gold prices tend to be less volatile than other commodities.
The demand for gold is great all over the world. Emerging markets, particularly China and India, account for approximately 75% of annual global gold demand. The remaining demand comes from developing countries. Large companies such as Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD), and Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM) are major contributors to this high gold production.
Look at the Top 5 Gold-Producing Countries in the World.
5. The US
Volume of Gold Mined Production: 172.7 Tons
The most well-known and significant companies in the mining sector in the United States include Barrick Gold, Newmont, Kinross Gold, Coeur Mining, Rio Tinto, and Hecla Mining. The nation increased its gold production by 2% from 2021 to 2022, when it was rated as the fifth-largest gold producer. There has been a 3.51% CAGR decline over the past five years, but substantial growth of about 8% is expected in the upcoming years.
4. Canada
Volume of Gold Mined Production: 194.5 Tons
Canada is the world’s fourth-largest producer of gold, with 194.5 tons produced in 2022. Eight Canadian provinces and territories mined the remaining gold, with 72% of the total production coming from these two regions. The Canadian economy is based on the gold mining sector, which generates employment, economic growth, and export income.
3. Australia
Volume of Gold Mined Production: 313.9 Tons
Australia claims to have the world’s greatest economic gold reserves, and as such, it has established itself as a major force in the global gold market. While the gold deposits of Australia are dispersed among the country’s states and territories, Western Australia has about 60% of the total. Australia produced an astounding 314 tons of gold, roughly, in the fiscal year 2022!
2. Russian Federation
Volume of Gold Mined Production: 324.7 Tons
Russia has enormous reserves of the precious metal and is one of the top producers of gold worldwide. Because of the nation’s vast mineral-rich regions, the gold mining industry has been expanding rapidly over the years. Among the leading producers of gold in Russia are Polyus, Polymetal, Kinross Gold, and Highland Gold. These businesses use cutting-edge mining techniques and equipment to recover gold in an economical and environmentally friendly manner.
1. China
Volume of Gold Mining Production: 375.0
In terms of volume of output, China is the nation that mines gold the most throughout the world. Yantai, also referred to as the “City of Gold,” has been recognized for an astounding 39 years running as the “Top Gold Producer in China.”
Because of its vast gold resources, which make about one-fourth of China’s total gold reserves, Yantai is known as the “Hometown of Gold.” Chinese gold, which is usually 24 karats pure, is well known. Its vivid yellow color, smooth, pliable texture, and special quality of never rusting or tarnishing make it stand out.
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