World’s Top Mining Countries

Mining has been the backbone of human civilisation for thousands of years. From the gold mines of ancient Egypt to today’s technologically advanced operations in Australia, China, and Canada, mining continues to supply the raw materials essential for modern life. Every smartphone, electric vehicle, skyscraper, and even renewable energy infrastructure relies on minerals extracted from the earth.

In 2025, mining is shaped by three powerful forces: the energy transition, geopolitical competition, and technological innovation. The world’s top mining countries are not just defined by the size of their mineral deposits, but also by their ability to supply critical minerals in a sustainable, secure, and efficient way.

China: The Undisputed Mining Powerhouse

China is the world’s largest producer of minerals, with an annual output exceeding 4.6 billion tonnes. Its dominance stretches across multiple commodities:

• Coal: China produces over 3.6 billion tonnes annually, accounting for more than 50% of global output. Coal remains central to China’s power generation, despite increasing renewable energy use.

• Rare Earth Elements (REEs): With reserves of 44 million tonnes, China controls nearly 70% of mining and over 90% of global processing capacity. Key REEs like neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium are vital for wind turbines, EV motors, and electronics.

• Gold: China produces ~380 tonnes per year, making it the number one global producer. Major mines are located in Shandong and Henan provinces.

• Other resources: China is also a leading producer of aluminium, graphite, tungsten, tin, and molybdenum.

China’s mineral dominance gives it strategic leverage over global supply chains. For instance, by limiting REE exports, it can impact industries worldwide, from clean energy to defense.

Australia: The Global Gold & Critical Minerals Supplier

Australia’s mineral exports contribute over 10% of its GDP, making it one of the wealthiest mining nations per capita.

• Gold: Australia produces around 290 tonnes annually, competing closely with China and Russia. Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit and Boddington are world-famous operations.

• Iron Ore: Australia is the largest iron ore exporter, shipping over 900 million tonnes in 2024, mostly to China.

• Uranium: With 46% of the world’s uranium reserves, Australia is a global leader, supplying nuclear fuel worldwide.

• Nickel and Lithium: Western Australia is the epicenter of the global lithium boom, with the Greenbushes mine being the largest hard-rock lithium operation on earth. Australia is also among the top three nickel producers.

• Rare Earths: The Mount Weld mine is one of the richest REE deposits outside China.

Australia’s stable political system, advanced mining technology, and sustainable practices make it a trusted partner for Western nations seeking alternatives to Chinese-controlled supply chains.

Russia: Gold, Palladium & Beyond

Russia is among the top three gold producers, with ~310 tonnes annually, primarily from Siberian and Far East mines.

• Gold: Key mines include Olimpiada and Polyus.

• Palladium: Russia dominates palladium supply, critical for catalytic converters and hydrogen technologies. The Norilsk Nickel mine is the world’s largest producer.

• Nickel & Platinum: Russia is a top supplier, with reserves concentrated in Norilsk and the Kola Peninsula.

• Diamonds: The Yakutia region, led by Alrosa, makes Russia the number one diamond producer worldwide.

Geopolitics plays a huge role. Western sanctions and export restrictions affect Russia’s ability to trade, pushing it to strengthen ties with Asian markets, especially China.

United States: Strategic Resources & Innovation

The U.S. ranks second in global mineral production (~2.3 billion tonnes annually).

• Coal: Despite a decline in domestic demand, the U.S. remains a major producer.

• Gold: Nevada alone accounts for 80% of U.S. gold, producing ~160 tonnes per year.

• Copper: Arizona is the heart of U.S. copper mining, supplying a significant share of the country’s 1.1 million tonnes.

• Rare Earths: The Mountain Pass mine in California is the only active large-scale REE mine in North America.

• Lithium: Nevada’s Clayton Valley and new projects in North Carolina are central to U.S. EV ambitions.

The U.S. is heavily investing in domestic production and international partnerships to reduce reliance on Chinese and Russian supply chains.

Canada: A Diverse & Sustainable Mining Giant

Canada is a global leader in mining, with operations spanning gold, copper, nickel, and potash.

• Gold: Over 200 tonnes annually, with major mines in Ontario and Quebec.

• Nickel: The Sudbury Basin in Ontario is one of the world’s most famous nickel-producing regions.

• Potash: Canada is the world’s largest potash producer, supplying global agriculture markets.

• Uranium: Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin hosts the richest uranium deposits worldwide.

Canada also leads in sustainable mining practices, with strict environmental regulations and advanced ESG integration.

Latin America: Copper & Lithium Powerhouses

Chile

• The largest copper producer in the world (~5.3 million tonnes in 2024).

• Home to Escondida, the world’s biggest copper mine.

• Also a major lithium supplier from the Atacama salt flats.

Peru

• Second in copper production (~2.6 million tonnes).

• Major mines include Cerro Verde and Antamina.

Brazil

• Rich in iron ore, gold, and bauxite. Vale’s Carajás mine is one of the largest iron ore operations globally.

• Also a growing producer of copper and nickel.

Africa: Untapped Potential

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• Holds the world’s largest cobalt reserves and produces ~70% of global supply.

• Also rich in copper (3.3 million tonnes annually).

• Challenges include governance, artisanal mining, and human rights concerns.

South Africa

• Historically a gold powerhouse, still significant in platinum and manganese.

• Produces ~70% of the world’s platinum group metals (PGMs).

Ghana

• Africa’s largest gold producer (~120 tonnes annually), surpassing South Africa.

Other Key Producers

• Indonesia: Controls ~61% of global nickel refining; Grasberg mine produces both copper and gold.

• Uzbekistan: Muruntau mine is the world’s largest open-pit gold mine by area.

• Saudi Arabia & Venezuela: Dominated by oil, but also host significant gold, phosphate, and natural gas reserves.

• India: Large coal reserves, plus diamonds, manganese, and titanium ore.

The Future of Mining: Trends to Watch

1. Energy Transition: EVs and renewable energy are driving massive demand for copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium.

2. Supply Chain Security: Western nations seek to diversify away from China and Russia.

3. Sustainability: ESG compliance, solar-powered mines, and recycling are redefining the industry.

4. Digital Mining: AI, drones, and automation improve efficiency, safety, and yield.

5. New Frontiers: Greenland, deep-sea mining, and asteroid mining are attracting attention.

Conclusion

The world’s top mining countries—China, Australia, Russia, the U.S., Canada, Chile, and the DRC—are shaping the global resource landscape. Each plays a unique role: some dominate traditional commodities like gold and copper, while others control critical minerals essential for the green economy.

As demand for EVs, clean energy, and high-tech products accelerates, the competition for resources will intensify. Mining’s future will be defined not only by who has the resources, but also by who can supply them sustainably, securely, and responsibly.