The World’s 10 Most Prolific Gold Mines or Fields (A New Look)

Gold is one of the most recognized words in the world. However, little is known by the casual citizen about gold aside from its monetary value—more specifically, where it comes from. You can find some of the largest, most productive gold mines operating in every corner of the world.

Click Here to View an Interactive Google Map of Gold Mines.

At the recent request of a reader, we have been tasked with updating an article published in March of 2011, titled “The World’s 10 Most Prolific Gold Fields.” As you can imagine, commodities and precious metals such as gold can experience a drastic shift over the course of nearly a decade-and-a-half, just as you would see in any other industry across the globe.

The original article was written with the purpose of identifying the most notable and recognizable gold mines around the world. Today, for the sake of diversity and providing new information, we’re going to look at gold mines through the lens of their location, history, and overall production as of June 2024 (with data linked to the 2023 calendar year), as well as what makes them so successful.

The list is formatted to begin with the highest-producing mine in 2023 and continue working its way through the rest of the top 10. You may recognize a few of these from the original post, but there are certainly a few new contenders as well. Here we go!

1. Muruntau Gold Mine

The name “Muruntau” is derived from a local legend, which means “mountain of gold.” The region has been known for its mineral wealth for centuries. Surprisingly omitted from the original article, the Muruntau Mine – located in the Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan – currently ranks as the highest overall producing mine as of 2023. According to Mining Technology, “the greenfield mine produced an estimated 1.8 million ounces of gold in 2023” (Carmen, 2024). The field was originally discovered in 1958, and industrial mining of the area began as early as July 1969. Currently, the mine is largely controlled by Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Combinat, a state-owned company of Uzbekistan.

The Muruntau Mine is one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world. The pit itself is about 3.35 kilometers long, 2.5 kilometers wide, and over 600 meters deep. In addition to the mass amount of gold, Muruntau also contains valuable reserves of silver and other metals, adding to its significance as a mining site.

The mine uses advanced technology and equipment, including automated systems, to increase efficiency and safety. The mine has taken steps to manage environmental impacts, including measures to mitigate dust and water use. It is a major contributor to Uzbekistan’s economy, providing a significant portion of the country’s gold exports and employment.

2. Carlin Gold Mine (Carlin Trend)

To no surprise, the Carlin Mine is a returning feature of this updated article, being that it’s one of the most recognized and well-producing in the world. The mine itself is part of a larger area known as the Carlin Trend, a significant gold-producing region known for its large deposits of gold in microscopic particles, often referred to as “invisible gold.”

The Carlin gold deposit was discovered in 1961 by geologist John Livermore, working for Newmont Mining Corporation, and production began in 1965. It comprises a series of open-pit and underground mines, with large-scale mining operations. The mine utilizes advanced extraction techniques, including heap leaching, where the ore is treated with chemicals to extract gold.

Carlin is one of the most prolific gold-producing regions globally, with Newmont Corporation being the primary operator. The area has produced tens of millions of ounces of gold since its discovery. More specifically, Mining Technology notes, “The surface and underground mine produced an estimated 1.59 million ounces of gold in 2023” (Carmen, 2024).

The Carlin Mine is a major economic driver in Nevada, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and providing numerous jobs. It has also played a crucial role in advancing mining technology and exploration methods.

3. Olimpiada Gold Mine

Adding another new name to our list, the Olimpiada Mine is located in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, and is widely considered to be the most significant contributor to the country’s gold production via Russia’s leading gold mining company, Polyus Gold.

Despite having been discovered in 1975, mining of its deposit did not begin for another twenty-plus years, with development starting in 1996. The mine is situated in a mineral-rich region, with gold occurring in both free and refractory forms. The deposit has substantial proven and probable reserves, containing millions of ounces of gold. It also has significant reserves of other metals, including silver.

The mine is one of the highest gold-producing assets in Russia and consistently ranks among the top gold mines globally in terms of output. It produces several hundred thousand ounces of gold annually. Referring once again to our data from Mining Technology, “the brownfield mine produced an estimated 1.17 million ounces of gold in 2023” (Carmen, 2024).

Polyus Gold emphasizes sustainable mining practices at Olimpiada. The company has implemented measures to manage environmental impacts, including waste management, water treatment, and land rehabilitation. Additionally, it focuses on social responsibility by supporting local communities and contributing to regional development. The Olympiada Mine is a crucial asset for Polyus Gold and plays a significant role in Russia’s gold mining industry. It contributes substantially to the country’s gold exports and is a key driver of economic activity in the Krasnoyarsk Krai region.

4. Cortez Gold Mine

Despite being located in a familiar place – Nevada, United States – the Cortez mine was left off of the previous list; let’s learn more about the 4th highest-producing mine of 2023.

The Cortez Mine is situated in north-central Nevada, in Lander and Eureka counties. It is part of the Cortez Trend, a region known for its rich gold deposits. Nevada Gold Mines, a joint venture between Barrick and Newmont, manages and operates the mine

Gold was discovered in the Cortez area in the 1960s, with mining activities starting in the late 1960s. The mine has undergone significant expansion and development over the years, becoming one of the largest gold producers in the United States. Mining Technology estimates that the mine produced an astounding 1 million ounces of gold in the year 2023 alone. Its production levels make it a significant contributor to Nevada’s gold mining industry and the global gold market.
The operators of the Cortez Mine prioritize environmental stewardship and community engagement. The mine has implemented various measures to manage environmental impacts, including water conservation, waste management, and land reclamation. The company also engages with local communities and supports regional economic development. It is a critical asset for Nevada Gold Mines and contributes significantly to the economic and industrial landscape of Nevada and the United States.

5. Grasberg Block Cave Gold Mine

The Grasberg Block Cave Mine is another returning member of the previous publication, but you may also recognize it as Irian Jaya located in Indonesia. The Grasberg district has been a site of mining activity since the early 20th century. The Block Cave operation is part of a transition from the open-pit mining of the Grasberg deposit to an underground operation. This transition was necessitated by the depletion of surface-level ore and began in the early 2000s.

The Grasberg Block Cave Mine extracts gold and copper ore from a vast underground deposit. The district is renowned for its rich porphyry copper-gold deposits, with large reserves of both metals. The block-caving method allows for the efficient extraction of these resources. Block caving is an underground mining technique that involves undercutting a large block of ore, causing it to collapse under its own weight. This method is highly efficient for large, low-grade ore bodies. The ore is then transported to the surface for processing.

The Grasberg Block Cave Mine is a major producer of copper and gold. It has significant production capacity, contributing a substantial portion of the world’s supply of these metals. The mine’s output includes copper concentrate, which contains valuable gold and silver by-products. Most recent numbers indicate that the mine turned up an estimated 937.61 thousand ounces of gold in 2023. With its advanced mining techniques, significant reserves, and economic impact, it is a cornerstone of the Grasberg mining district and a critical asset for both Freeport-McMoRan and the Indonesian government.

6. Boddington Gold Mine

Our previous list of prolific gold mines mentioned The Super Pit, a large mine located in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Today, however, we’re going to focus on another mine also located in Western Australia – the Boddington Mine.

The Boddington Mine is situated approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Perth, in Western Australia. It is wholly owned and operated by Newmont Corporation, following the company’s acquisition of Newcrest Mining Limited’s interest in the mine. The Boddington Mine is located within a mineral-rich region known for its porphyry-style gold and copper deposits. The mine has significant reserves of gold and copper, with substantial proven and probable reserves ensuring a long mine life.

Gold was first discovered in the Boddington area in the early 1980s, with mining activities commencing in 1987. The mine underwent significant expansion and development over the years, transitioning to large-scale operations. Newmont reopened and expanded the mine in 2009, making it a major gold and copper producer.

Boddington is one of Australia’s largest gold-producing mines, with an annual production of several hundred thousand ounces of gold. It also produces a significant amount of copper as a by-product, contributing to its overall economic value. At the conclusion of 2023, Boddington is presumed to have produced roughly 786.17 thousand ounces of gold.

7. Lihir Gold Mine

Having appeared in the previous publication at number 8, the Lihir Mine shares a nearly identical spot in this top 10 as the number seven largest producing gold mines in the world, missing out on number six by just a fraction of a percent.

The Lihir Mine is situated on Lihir Island, a volcanic island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is wholly owned and operated by Newcrest Mining Limited, an Australian-based mining company. The remote location of the Lihir Mine presents logistical challenges, including transportation and supply chain management. However, the rich gold resources and technological advancements present significant opportunities for continued production and profitability.

Gold was discovered on Lihir Island in the 1980s, and the mine began production in 1997. Over the years, the operation has undergone several expansions to increase its production capacity and extend its mine life. The mine utilizes open-pit mining methods to extract gold ore. The ore is processed using a combination of pressure oxidation and conventional leaching to recover gold. The processing plant is one of the largest of its kind and is capable of treating complex ores.

The Lihir Mine is a major gold producer, with annual production typically exceeding 800,000 ounces of gold. It is one of the largest and most productive gold mines in the Asia-Pacific region. Data for the 2023 year indicate the mine fell just short of its usual production levels, with an estimated 780 ounces of gold produced.

8. Pueblo Viejo Gold Mine

Alas, another new member to add to our list of robustly successful gold mines is the Pueblo Viejo Mine. The Pueblo Viejo Mine is situated in the central region of the Dominican Republic, near the town of Cotuí. It is jointly owned and operated by Barrick Gold and Newmont, with Barrick serving as the operator.

The mine site has a long history of mining activities, dating back to the pre-Columbian era. Modern mining at Pueblo Viejo began in the 1970s, with operations carried out by the Dominican government. Barrick and Newmont acquired the site in 2006 and subsequently invested in its redevelopment. The mine officially commenced commercial production in 2013 after significant expansion and modernization.

The operation primarily employs open-pit mining methods to extract ore from the deposit. The processing plant uses a combination of autoclave technology and conventional leaching to recover gold and silver. This process is particularly suited for the complex, refractory nature of the ore at Pueblo Viejo.

Pueblo Viejo is one of the top gold-producing mines in the world, with an annual output often exceeding 1 million ounces of gold. The mine also produces substantial amounts of silver, contributing to its overall economic value. Recent data suggests that production of the mine has slowed over the last year, as the mine saw “only” an estimated 767.15 thousand ounces of gold in 2023. Naturally a slowing in production is less than ideal, but the mine continues to still be effective enough to land in the top ten in the world.

9. Kibali Gold Mine

Yet another new name you may have not familiarized yourself with over the last 13 years is the Kibali Mine, a major gold mining operation located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the town of Doko in the northeastern part of the country. The Kibali Mine is situated in the Haut-Uele province of the DRC. The mine is a joint venture between Barrick Gold, AngloGold Ashanti, and SOKIMO, with Barrick acting as the operator.

Gold deposits in the Kibali region were discovered in the early 2000s. The mine was developed as a large-scale operation, with production commencing in 2013. It has rapidly grown to become one of the largest gold mines in Africa.

The Kibali Mine utilizes a combination of open-pit and underground mining methods. The open-pit operations focus on extracting ore from surface deposits, while the underground mining targets deeper ore bodies. The processing plant includes a conventional mill and a carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit to recover gold.

Kibali is one of the top gold-producing mines in Africa, with annual production often exceeding 700,000 ounces of gold. The mine’s output significantly contributes to Barrick’s and AngloGold Ashanti’s global gold production. Most recently, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 762.22 thousand ounces of gold in 2023, surpassing its average annual output.

10. Loulo-Gounkoto Gold Mine

Last but not least holding down the 10th spot on the list is one final new addition, the Loulo-Gounkoto Mine. The Loulo-Gounkoto complex is situated in western Mali, near the Senegalese border. The complex spans two distinct but interconnected sites: Loulo, the northern half of the complex, and Gounkoto, the southern operation, located about 25 kilometers away.

The story of Loulo-Gounkoto begins in the late 1990s when initial exploration revealed the area’s rich potential. Randgold Resources (now part of Barrick Gold Corporation) saw the promise hidden beneath the Malian soil and began developing the Loulo mine in 2005. The Gounkoto deposit, discovered later, commenced production in 2011, creating the powerhouse complex we know today.

The Loulo-Gounkoto complex employs a mix of open-pit and underground mining techniques, showcasing the versatility required in modern gold extraction. First, open-pit mining is used for near-surface deposits. This method involves creating large excavations that resemble inverted cones. Second is underground mining: as surface deposits deplete, the operation has increasingly moved underground, using advanced tunneling and ore extraction methods.

Loulo-Gounkoto has consistently ranked among Africa’s largest gold producers. Some key highlights include annual gold production often exceeding 600,000 ounces. In 2023, the mines were able to greatly exceed that annual expectation by producing 683.75 thousand ounces of gold. The complex’s success is not just in volume but in efficiency, with ongoing efforts to reduce costs and improve gold recovery rates.

References:

Carmen. (2024, June 18). The world’s ten largest gold mines. Mining Technology.

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