Gold is a valuable material that we use for a variety of things from jewelry to decorations. Gold is also a form of currency that has withstood the test of time for decades. But like most materials, it takes hard work and dedication to extract it from the earth, which leaves us with finding out the locations for the largest gold deposits in the world.
Gold deposits, or gold mining, have been around for centuries, and while several mines are no longer in use for gold mining, some mines have large deposits that are still going on to this day. So where exactly are the largest gold deposits in the world?
6. Kibali
Kibali gold mine is a combined open pit and underground gold mine in the province of the northwest Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is one of the largest gold deposits in the world, and the largest in Africa.
The mine churns out just over 810,000 a year and has proven reserves of about 8.3 million ounces. The mines opened in 2013 and have not slowed down yet.
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5. Pueblo Viejo
Pueblo Viejo mine is in the Dominican Republic that started operations in 2012 and expects to cease in 2041. It’s the largest mine in Latin America and one of the largest gold deposits in the world, gathering about 812,000 ounces a year, which makes up .7% as well.
The mine is operated as a joint venture between Barrick and Newmont, two of the world’s largest miners. While it does turn out great profit from gold, it has generated environmental conflict due to pollution, causing major issues with the residents.
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4. Olimpiada
Churning out around 1.18 million ounces of gold annually, which makes up a whopping 1% of the world’s gold, Olimpiada is one of the largest gold deposits in the world.
Located in one of Russia’s most prolific gold mining provinces, Olimpiada is Polyus’ largest operation and is also considered one of the biggest mines in terms of reserves. As of 2023, the mine estimated resources of 48 million ounces and reserves of 21 million ounces. The mine began in 1996 and has done very well over the years.
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3. Grasberg
Grasberg is not only one of the largest gold deposits in the world but also copper. The mine is located in Mimika Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia near Puncak Jaya, and is a joint venture among the government of Indonesia, the government of Central Papua, and the American company Freeport-McMoRan.
Discovered in 1937, Grasberg produces around 1.37 million ounces annually which makes up around 1.2% of the world’s gold. As of 2020, the company successfully transitioned Grasberg to be the world’s largest underground block-caving operation.
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2. Muruntau
The second largest gold deposit in the world is located in Uzbekistan and is the Muruntau gold mine. Located in the mountains of Murintau, the field was discovered in 1958, with production beginning in 1969, and brings a substantial amount of gold to the world.
This mine is one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world and is also the fifth deepest open-pit mine. The pit measures about 2.5 kilometers by 2 kilometers with a current depth of 600 meters and is hoping to expand beyond 1,000 meters. The mine produces around 2.9 million ounces of gold annually (which is around 2.6% of the global production).
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1. Nevada Gold Mines
The number one largest gold deposit in the world goes to a deposit in the United States. Nevada Gold Mines was formed in 2019 and was a joint venture between two of the largest gold miners — Barrick Gold and Newmont — through the combination of their significant gold mining assets across northern Nevada.
The assets include 10 underground mines and 12 surface mines as well as related facilities. While a new operation, that hasn’t dampened just how amazing this mine is. There are currently seven mining operations within the Gold Mines in Nevada including Carlin, Cortez, Long Canyon, Twin Creeks, and more. Currently, the min produces the most gold, averaging at around 3.3 million ounces annually, making it the largest deposit in the world.
