China is the leading gold-producing nation in the world followed by Australia, South Africa, and the United States. In the United States, Nevada is the leading gold producer. Commercial usage in 2009 was estimated as follows: jewelry and arts, 72 percent; industrial (mainly electronic), 7 percent; dental and other industrial uses, 21 percent.
Estimated world mine production of the top six countries in 2009 was:
Country |
Gold Production |
China |
300 metric tons (300,000 kg) |
Australia |
220 metric tons (220,000 kg) |
South Africa |
210 metric tons (210,000 kg) |
United States |
210 metric tons (210,000 kg) |
Russia |
185 metric tons (185,000 kg) |
Peru |
180 metric tons (180,000 kg) |