World's Top 3 Largest Gold mines China may lose to Russia 2022

1. Muruntau

Muruntau gold mine, Uzbekistan. Image: Navoi Mining

The Muruntau mining complex, located in Uzbekistan and consisting of open-pit mine and heap leach operations, is estimated to have produced slightly more than 2 million ounces of gold in 2019. Operated by state-owned Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combinat, the mine is more than 3.3km long, 2.5km wide nearly 600m deep. Considering the stunning resource base, estimated in excess of 150m ounces, Muruntau will likely keep its ranking as world’s biggest gold mine.

2. Olimpiada

Olimpiada gold mine. Source: Polyus

Located in one of Russia’s most prolific gold mining provinces, gigantic Olimpiada mine is Polyus’ largest operation. The mine began production in 1996 and currently accounts for over a half the Moscow-based company’s total gold output. The ore mined at the site is processed at three plants with a combined capacity of 13 million tonnes of ore annually. Olimpiada produced 1.389 million ounces of gold in 2019, a 5% increase over the prior year.

3. Carlin

Carlin gold mine. Source: Newmont

On July 1, 2019, Barrick’s Goldstrike (including 60% share of South Arturo) and Newmont’s Carlin were contributed to Nevada Gold Mines and are now referred to as Carlin. This gigantic integrated operation located west of the city of Elko on the geologic feature known as the Carlin Trend. Stretching 56km (35mi), the Carlin Trend was first prospected by Newmont geologists John Livermore and Alan Coope in 1965. According to Barrick, Carlin produced 1.315 million ounces of gold in 2019.