Top 10 gold producing countries in the world

Gold has become the standout asset of 2026, with prices climbing past $5,589 per ounce in January amid strong central bank demand, falling interest rates, and rising geopolitical uncertainty.

Global gold production reached roughly 3,300 metric tonnes in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year, according to the United States Geological Survey.

As demand keeps climbing, attention has turned to the countries supplying the world's gold. Below is a full breakdown of the top 10 gold-producing countries in 2026, along with what's driving their output.

1. China

China remains firmly in first place, with annual output estimated at 384.3 tonnes, over 10% of total global supply. Production is concentrated in Shandong, Henan, and Inner Mongolia, backed by state-linked giants like Zijin Mining and Shandong Gold Mining. Beyond mining volume, China is steadily expanding its gold reserves to hedge against dollar exposure, linking its mining sector directly to national financial strategy.

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2. Russia

Russia ranks second with output near 345 tonnes annually. Despite sweeping Western sanctions since 2022, production has held strong, centred in Siberia and the Russian Far East. Companies such as Polyus and Nordgold lead extraction, with gold increasingly serving as a strategic export that bypasses restricted financial channels.

3. Australia

Australia produces around 293 tonnes a year, led by Western Australia's mature mining industry. Iconic sites like the Super Pit and Boddington mine keep the country a top choice for institutional investors seeking strong governance and regulatory transparency.

4. Canada

Canada follows with roughly 213 tonnes of annual output, mainly from Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Backed by major players like Barrick Gold and Agnico Eagle, and supported by Toronto's status as a global mining finance centre, Canada blends large-scale production with deep capital markets.

5. Peru

Peru produces close to 209 tonnes annually, making it one of the region's most important gold exporters. Mining remains central to the national economy, though environmental disputes and regulatory uncertainty continue to challenge long-term growth.

6. Ghana

Ghana holds its position as Africa's top gold producer, with output around 187 tonnes a year. Major mines at Obuasi, Tarkwa, and Akyem drive this performance, and Ghana's gold exports hit a record $20 billion in 2025. Gold remains a cornerstone of Ghana's foreign exchange earnings, fiscal stability, and employment, making it one of the most closely watched sectors of the national economy.

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7. United States

The US produces about 157 tonnes annually, with most output coming from Nevada's Carlin Trend and Cortez districts. Operators like Newmont and Barrick have invested heavily in automation and environmental controls, prioritising efficiency over sheer volume.

8. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's output sits near 125 tonnes, anchored by the Muruntau mine, one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world. Run by Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Combinat, gold exports are a critical source of state revenue and foreign exchange.

9. Mexico

Mexico produces close to 114 tonnes a year, with major operations in Sonora, Zacatecas, and Durango. Companies including Fresnillo and Grupo México run large mines such as Peñasquito and Herradura, keeping Mexico among the region's most consistent gold suppliers.

10. Indonesia

Indonesia rounds out the top 10 with output above 104 tonnes, driven largely by the Grasberg mine in Papua, operated by Freeport-McMoRan. A growing pipeline of new projects suggests Indonesia's production could rise further in coming years.