Australia holds the world’s largest reported gold reserves, with 13,000 tonnes, according to the US Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries for February 2026.
The figure places Australia ahead of Russia, which holds 12,000 tonnes, and the combined ‘other countries’ category, which accounts for 11,000 tonnes.
South Africa ranks third among individual countries with 5,000 tonnes, reflecting its long history as one of the world’s most significant gold jurisdictions. Indonesia follows with 3,600 tonnes, while Canada and China each hold 3,200 tonnes.
The US sits behind those countries with 3,000 tonnes, followed by Brazil at 2,500 tonnes, Kazakhstan at 2,300 tonnes, and Peru and Uzbekistan, each with 2,200 tonnes.
Mexico holds 1,400 tonnes, while Ghana rounds out the list with 1,000 tonnes.
The data highlights the continued concentration of gold reserves across established mining regions, with Australia, Russia, South Africa, Canada, the US, and China all maintaining major positions in the global gold sector.
Australia’s lead also reinforces the country’s role as a key jurisdiction for gold exploration, development, and production.
The country hosts several long-running gold provinces, including Western Australia’s Yilgarn Craton, which remains a major source of exploration activity.
