Which Country Produces the Most Gold?

China has been the world's leading gold producer since surpassing South Africa in 2007, mining approximately 370 tonnes in 2023. Australia ranks second at about 310 tonnes, followed by Russia (~310 tonnes), Canada (~200 tonnes), and the United States (~170 tonnes). China's dominance comes from thousands of small and medium mines, particularly in Shandong, Henan, and Fujian provinces. Historically, South Africa was the world's top producer for over a century, peaking at 1,000 tonnes per year in 1970, but output has declined dramatically as mines deepened and costs increased. Globally, about 3,600 tonnes of gold are mined annually.