Estimates from top geoscience sources show that the amount of gold economically recoverable on Earth is just over 50,000 tons. Across history, the total mined by all countries has ranged from 100,000 to 200,000 tons, depending on the source. In every account, roughly half of the mined gold has come from a single region: the Witwatersrand basin in South Africa.
This region hosts some of the most influential gold deposits on the planet. The discovery dates back to 1886 when an Australian prospector, George Harrison, identified a rich vein, sparking a gold rush that transformed the area. The boom drew thousands of visitors and led to the founding of Johannesburg, now the largest city in the country.
Several major mines operate within the Witwatersrand basin, including Mponeng, TauTona, and Kromdraai. Mponeng is often cited as the deepest mine in the world, descending more than four kilometers below the surface.
Approximate figures indicate that nearly half of the world’s mined gold has originated in this South African region, shaping the country’s economy in profound ways. Other sources place the share closer to 30 percent, but the consensus remains that this is where a substantial portion of Earth’s gold has historically been found.
Even as its dominance wanes, the Witwatersrand remains a vital gold-producing area, continuing to contribute to global supply and regional livelihoods.
Stagnant production on the planet
Global gold production in recent years has leveled off. The ongoing depletion of more challenging and costly reserves, the need to work deeper, and a mix of economic, labor, and legal dynamics have led to the closure of many mines.
Analysts note that growth in supply may slow or dip slightly as existing reserves deplete and new discoveries become rarer, suggesting a tentative peak in production (World Gold Council commentary on market dynamics).
According to reports, industry observers note that mining output has stabilized and is likely to trend downward gradually rather than sharply. The outlook remains uncertain, but a sizable portion of reserves continues to be mined, and there is cautious optimism that new technologies could unlock more deposits. However, access, location, and feasibility often complicate extraction efforts (as summarized by the World Gold Council and market analysts).
Currently, a relatively small portion of unexplored regions remains, and the most promising zones sometimes lie in politically unstable areas, including parts of West Africa, where exploration faces risk and investment considerations.
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Note: For further context on environmental and regulatory considerations, reference materials from official industry bodies provide ongoing updates on mining practices, production, and reserves. Citations are attributed to the World Gold Council and matched financial and industry coverage from reputable trade publications.