Top 10 Largest Gold Mines in the United States

Top 10 Largest Gold Mines in the United States


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The United States is home to some of the largest and most productive gold mines in the world, playing a key role in the global gold industry.  From historic mines to modern-day operations, these gold mines have not only shaped the nation’s economy but have also contributed to the rich legacy of mining in the country.  The following list highlights the top 10 largest gold mines in the United States, each with significant reserves, production, and history.

#1: Nevada Gold Mines – 25 million ounces (reserves)

Nevada Gold Mines, a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Newmont Corporation, is the largest gold mining complex in the world.  Spanning across Nevada’s vast desert landscape, Nevada Gold Mines operates several major mines, including the Carlin Trend, Cortez, and Goldstrike mines.  Together, these operations produce around 4 million ounces of gold annually, making Nevada Gold Mines a powerhouse in the gold industry.

The Carlin Trend, in particular, is one of the most significant gold deposits in the world, with gold mining dating back to the 1960s.  The combined reserves of Nevada Gold Mines are estimated to be around 25 million ounces of gold, making it the largest gold mine in the United States by reserves.  With its vast operations and significant production, Nevada Gold Mines is a key player in the U.S. gold industry.

Nevada Gold Mines

#2: South Deep Gold Mine – 32.8 million ounces (reserves)

South Deep Gold Mine, located in South Dakota, is one of the largest gold mines in the United States, with proven and probable reserves estimated at over 32 million ounces.  The mine is known for its high-grade gold deposits and its significant contribution to gold production in the region.  South Deep is a deep underground mine that operates in the heart of South Dakota’s gold belt, with extensive reserves that will continue to contribute to gold production for years to come.

While primarily an underground operation, the mine also features significant surface and open-pit mining activities.  The South Deep Gold Mine has a rich history of gold production, with a legacy dating back to the 1930s.  Today, it remains one of the most important gold producers in the U.S.

South Deep Gold Mine

#3: Goldstrike Mine – 10 million ounces (reserves)

The Goldstrike Mine, located in Nevada, is one of the largest and most productive gold mines in the United States.  The mine is part of the Nevada Gold Mines complex and has produced over 10 million ounces of gold since its opening in 1986.  With proven and probable reserves of approximately 10 million ounces, Goldstrike continues to be a significant contributor to gold production in Nevada and the U.S.

Goldstrike features both open-pit and underground mining operations, extracting gold from multiple ore bodies.  The mine has played a pivotal role in making Nevada the leading gold-producing state in the country.  Goldstrike’s rich history and impressive production make it one of the largest and most successful gold mines in the U.S.

#4: Carlin Trend – 15 million ounces (reserves)

The Carlin Trend, located in northern Nevada, is one of the most important and productive gold mining districts in the world.  The Carlin Trend contains multiple gold mines, including the Goldstrike, Cortez, and Carlin mines, and is known for its extensive gold reserves and high production levels.  The Carlin Trend’s reserves are estimated at around 15 million ounces of gold, and the district produces millions of ounces annually.

Gold was first discovered in the Carlin Trend in the 1960s, and it quickly became one of the richest gold-bearing areas in the world.  The trend remains a critical component of Nevada Gold Mines and continues to be a major contributor to gold production in the United States.

#5: Cortez Mine – 11 million ounces (reserves)

The Cortez Mine, also part of the Nevada Gold Mines complex, is one of the largest gold mines in the United States.  Located in the Battle Mountain-Eureka trend of Nevada, the Cortez Mine has been a significant gold producer for over 50 years.  With proven and probable reserves of approximately 11 million ounces, the Cortez Mine is a vital asset to the U.S. gold industry.

The mine features both open-pit and underground mining operations and produces a substantial amount of gold each year.  Cortez’s large-scale operations and significant reserves make it one of the top gold mines in the country and a key player in Nevada’s gold production.

#6: Round Mountain Mine – 10 million ounces (reserves)

The Round Mountain Mine, located in Nevada, has been a major producer of gold since its opening in 1906.  The mine has produced over 10 million ounces of gold over its lifetime and continues to produce gold today.  The mine’s reserves are estimated at approximately 10 million ounces, making it one of the largest gold mines in the U.S.

Round Mountain features both open-pit and heap leaching operations and has seen continuous production for more than a century.  The mine remains an important contributor to Nevada’s gold industry and is one of the longest-running gold mines in the country.

#7: Fort Knox Gold Mine – 8 million ounces (reserves)

Located in Alaska, the Fort Knox Gold Mine is one of the largest gold mines in the state and one of the top gold producers in the U.S.  The mine has produced over 8 million ounces of gold since its opening in 1996 and has proven and probable reserves of around 8 million ounces.  Fort Knox is an open-pit mine that uses cyanide heap leaching to extract gold from the ore.

The Fort Knox Gold Mine has been a major contributor to Alaska’s economy, providing jobs and generating revenue for the state.  Its large reserves and long history of production make it one of the largest and most successful gold mines in the U.S.

#8: Hemlo Gold Mine – 7 million ounces (reserves)

The Hemlo Gold Mine, located in Ontario, Canada, is included in the list due to its significance to gold mining in the U.S. as part of North America’s larger gold production efforts.  The mine has a proven and probable reserve of approximately 7 million ounces of gold.  Although primarily a Canadian operation, Hemlo’s close proximity to the U.S. border and its integration into the North American gold industry make it one of the top contributors to U.S. gold reserves.

Hemlo has been a key player in gold mining for decades and is known for its high-grade gold deposits, producing millions of ounces since its discovery in the 1980s.

#9: Veladero Mine – 6 million ounces (reserves)

Located in Argentina but serving as a significant asset to the U.S. gold mining industry, the Veladero Mine has over 6 million ounces of gold reserves.  The mine is managed by Barrick Gold and contributes significantly to U.S. gold production through international mining operations.

Although the Veladero Mine is outside the United States, its output is important to the overall supply of gold that circulates in U.S. markets.  Its extensive reserves make it one of the world’s largest and most significant gold mines.

#10: Pogo Mine – 5 million ounces (reserves)

The Pogo Mine, located in Alaska, is a significant contributor to gold production in the U.S.  The mine has proven and probable reserves of approximately 5 million ounces of gold.  Pogo is an underground mining operation, and it has produced over 2 million ounces since its opening in 2006.

The Pogo Mine is known for its high-grade gold deposits and continues to be a key part of Alaska’s mining industry.  With its large reserves and continuous production, Pogo is one of the top gold mines in the United States.

These top 10 gold mines represent the largest and most significant contributors to gold production in the United States.  From the vast Nevada Gold Mines complex to the remote Pogo Mine in Alaska, these properties have shaped the gold industry and continue to play a crucial role in global gold production.  As the mining industry continues to evolve, these gold mines will remain important players in the U.S. economy and the global market.

More Great Top 10’s

Gold Mines and Maps

Mines and maps share an ancient, almost magical connection, where the inked lines of a map reveal the hidden treasures buried deep beneath the earth.  For miners, a map is more than just a guide to navigating tunnels and shafts—it is the key to unlocking the earth’s secrets, a detailed record of the land’s history and its potential.  Every mark on a mining map holds a story, from the veins of precious metals and minerals that snake through the earth to the forgotten shafts that once echoed with the sound of pickaxes striking rock.  A map becomes an intimate companion, tracing the evolution of the mine, its growth from humble beginnings to the sprawling network of tunnels and excavation sites it becomes.  It’s a living document, constantly updated with new discoveries, new routes, and new plans for expansion, each change adding to the story of the mine’s development.  Maps of mines are a reflection of the intricate relationship between people and the land, marking not just the physical paths carved by human hands but also the hopes, ambitions, and challenges faced by generations of miners.  These maps, while technical, are full of emotion, capturing the dreams of those who staked their claim and the silent, unyielding resistance of the earth itself.  As the mine progresses, maps show the wear and tear of years of hard work, and each new layer unearthed deepens the mystery and allure of the land.  But beyond their role in guiding miners, maps are also a reminder of the fragility and responsibility that come with extracting nature’s riches.  They map out not only the pathways to wealth but also the paths to sustainability and environmental stewardship.  For a miner, a map is a personal journey—a tool that connects the past, present, and future in a never-ending quest to unlock the deep, hidden secrets of the earth.

Learn more about Maps

  • Topographical Maps:  Representation of the physical features of a region or area.
  • Contour Maps:  Representation of the contours of the land surface or ocean floor.
  • Raised Relief Maps:  Representation of land elevations with raised features indicating landforms.
  • Terrain Maps:  Representation of the physical features of a terrain or landmass.
  • USGS Topographic Maps:  Representation of topographic features and land elevations based on USGS data.
  • USGS Historical Topographic Maps:  Representation of historical topographic maps created by the USGS.
  • Watershed Maps:  Representation of the areas where water flows into a particular river or lake.
  • Elevation Maps:  Representation of land and water elevations with high precision.
  • Physical Maps:  Representation of physical features of the Earth’s surface such as landforms, oceans, and plateaus.
  • Bathymetric Maps:  Representation of the topography and features of the ocean floor.
  • NOAA Maps:  Representation of atmospheric, oceanographic, and environmental data by NOAA.
  • Nautical Maps:  Representation of the underwater features and depth of an area for navigation purposes.
  • Geologic Maps:  Representation of the geologic features of an area such as rock types, faults, and folds. 
  • Satellite Maps:  Representation of earth from high-definition satellite imagery.

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