Key Points
- Australia and Russia lead world gold deposits by estimated tonnes.
- South Africa, China, Canada, Indonesia round out the top seven.
- The USA holds largest official gold reserves and significant deposits.
Have you ever wondered which nations hold the most gold on Earth? Can you guess which country’s vaults and mines are richest with this precious metal, beyond just production figures? Do you know where the largest gold reserves and deposits lie across continents, from Fort Knox in the United States to ancient gold fields in Africa and Australia?
Gold has shaped economies, backed currencies and captivated explorers for centuries. But in the modern world, it still plays a strategic role in national finance and mining. Let us learn about the top countries with the largest gold deposits and see where they stand today.
List of Top 7 Countries with the Largest Gold Deposits in the World
You must know that the Gold reserves and deposits are frequently measured by how much gold a country holds in underground reserves or central bank vaults. These figures include unmined ore that is economically viable or already secured as reserve stock. The table below is drawn from official statistics and verified mining datasets.
| Rank | Country | Estimated Gold Deposits/Reserves (approx) |
| 1 | Australia | 12,000 tonnes (mine deposits) |
| 2 | Russia | 11,100 tonnes (mine deposits) |
| 3 | United States | 8,133 tonnes (reserves) |
| 4 | South Africa | 5,000 tonnes (mine deposits) |
| 5 | China | 3,000 tonnes (mine & reserve) |
| 6 | Canada | 3,200 tonnes (mine deposits) |
| 7 | Indonesia | 3,800 tonnes (mine deposits) |
Note: These figures include both centrally held reserves and estimated unmined deposits that geological surveys have classified as economically accessible.
Check Out: List of Countries with the Highest Gold Reserves in the World
Here’s a look at the 3 Countries with the largest gold deposits in the world, based on official and recent data, and what makes each of the top seven stand out.
1. Australia
Australia tops the list with some of the world’s richest gold deposits. It is particularly in the state of Western Australia. Moreover, the Geological surveys estimate more than 12,000 tonnes of gold in unmined reserves.
All of this makes this country a global powerhouse in the gold mining sector. Much of this gold comes from enormous open‑pit and underground operations. The country’s long history of exploration and investment in mining technology helps sustain its leading role in the global gold market.
2. Russia
Russia’s expansive territory makes it a giant in mineral wealth. With around 11,100 tonnes of estimated gold deposits, it ranks second globally. Many of these deposits are in Siberia and the Far East. These are the remote and resource‑rich regions that have attracted both domestic and international mining expertise.
3. United States
The United States is notable not only for its massive central bank gold reserves but also for substantial in‑ground deposits. The official figures show more than 8,133 tonnes held as reserves, which is the largest of any nation.
They have stored Gold in vaults like Fort Knox and other Federal Reserve locations. In terms of unmined deposits, significant reserves are found primarily in Nevada and other Western states, that contributes to its global gold footprint.
Check Out: List of Countries with the Largest Gold Mines in the World
To conclude, these top seven countries together account for a large share of the world’s gold, and combine both central bank holdings and mineral deposits yet to be mined.
Whether through historic vaults or sprawling mineral belts, their gold resources tell a story of geology, economy and strategic strength. Were you surprised by any of these rankings? Share this with friends and spark a conversation about where the world’s wealth lies beneath the surface!
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