This article will answer which countries have the most gold reserves in 2023 and explore their gold mining patterns over the year. If you want to skip our overview of the global gold trends and patterns, head to 8 Countries With The Largest Gold Reserves In 2023.
Unlike fiat currencies, which are government-issued and not backed by a physical commodity, gold retains its value. The precious metal is not subjected to the same inflationary pressures as paper money, making it a hedge against inflation, especially in countries with the largest gold reserves in 2023. Central banks maintain substantial gold reserves as part of their monetary strategy, impacting their ability to print money. Possessing significant gold reserves signals a country's capability to repay its debt, potentially strengthening its currency. Even as we transition into an age of digital currencies, the intrinsic value of gold remains largely unquestioned.
If we talk about the recent patterns in the precious metal's trends and patterns, central banks slowed their gold purchases slightly in the second quarter of 2023, but the overall acquisition trend stayed strong, as per the World Gold Council. The quarter saw a 2% decrease in gold demand, excluding over-the-counter (OTC) trades that amounted to 921 tons. The decline is primarily due to reduced central bank purchases and contrasts with the vigorous buying observed in the same quarter of 2022. However, including OTC and stock flows, the quarter's gold demand demonstrated resilience, increasing by 7% year-on-year to 1255 metric tons.
Interestingly, Turkey purchased more gold than any other country in 2022, totaling 94.63 metric tons valued at approximately $47 billion. In January 2023, Switzerland transported 58.3 metric tons of gold, worth $3.8 billion, to Turkey — the most the country has exported in a single month since 2012. Turkey then went on a selling spree and sold 81 tons in April and 15 tons in March of 2023, leaving its gold reserves at 439.75 metric tons currently. Reports suggest Turkey offloaded gold due to unique domestic market conditions and a surge in demand for the yellow metal.
When we break gold's demand into sectors, jewelry consumption increased by 3% year-on-year to 476 tons in 2023, despite rising gold prices. However, China's subdued interest in jewelry led to a surplus, with inventories swelling by approximately 15 tons. Investors also showed interest in gold bars and coins, with demand rising by 6% to 277 tons — Turkey played a significant role in this increase. Conversely, gold-backed ETFs saw a decrease in Q2 2023, with outflows of 21 tons, a smaller reduction than the 47 tons from Q2 2022.
The less-documented area of OTC investments jumped this quarter to 335 tons, suggesting a latent demand that supported gold prices, especially when compared to the ETF sell-offs. The World Gold Council also indicated that the tech sector's gold demand remained consistent with the previous quarter's 70 tons, primarily due to a stagnant consumer electronics market. However, gold mines reportedly produced an impressive 1781 tons last quarter, hinting at a thriving gold production scenario in the future.
Interestingly, the two Countries With Highest Gold Consumption By Year, India and China, are middle-income countries. Other notable gold consumers include the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Germany, which are all high-income countries.
Barrick Gold Corp (NYSE:GOLD), the world's largest gold mining company, operates the Nevada Gold Mines, the world's biggest gold mining project. According to Barrick Gold Corp (NYSE:GOLD) 's Q2 2023 earnings call, Nevada Gold Mines saw an 11% quarter-on-quarter production increase and is on track to achieve its 2023 targets. Since the inception of the Nevada Mines, the project has replenished 16.5 million ounces of the country's gold previously depleted by mining.
Barrick Gold Corp (NYSE:GOLD) also oversees gold mines in Mali, Tanzania, Canada, DR Congo, and the Dominican Republic, among others. Notable, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) has transformed Mali's Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine into one of the world's ten largest gold mining complexes through strategic investments and planning. Consequently, Loulo-Gounkoto has become one of Mali's principal taxpayers, now employing approximately 7000 individuals, 97% of whom are Malian.
If more Gold Producing Countries streamline their mining infrastructure with the help of smart mining companies, the yellow metal's future demand and supply can be managed more proficiently.
With that, let's look at some gold rich countries!
20 Countries with the Largest Gold Reserves in 2023
20 Countries With The Largest Gold Reserves In 2023
Our Methodology
We based our list of gold reserves by country in 2023 on the latest estimates from the World Gold Council and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Countries were then listed in ascending order according to their gold reserves up to Q2 2023.
Based on our findings, here are the countries with the most gold reserves in 2023:
20. Austria
Gold Reserves In 2023: 279.99 metric tons
Historically, Austria has played a significant role in the gold industry, with the mining town of Rauris flourishing in the Middle Ages. Today, Austria maintains a notable position in global gold reserves. The Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) manages these reserves, ensuring stability during economic uncertainties. The Austrian Mint, one of the world's oldest and largest producers of gold bullion coins, struggles to meet the demand as people seek safe havens for their money due to rising inflation. According to the World Gold Council, the country's gold reserves are valued at $17.2 billion.
19. Spain
Gold Reserves In 2023: 281.58 metric tons
Spain's history with gold can be traced back to ancient times when it shipped large quantities of gold from its colonies. Today, Spain holds a significant gold reserve to hedge against economic turbulence. Its gold reserves stand at 281 metric tons as of 2023, and its annual gold production varies between 1.5-2 metric tons.
18. Lebanon
Gold Reserves In 2023: 286.83 metric tons
Lebanon's gold reserves have remained relatively stable from 2000 to 2023, presently at 286.83 metric tons. Valued at approximately $18.256 billion, these reserves hold the potential to support the country's struggling economy. However, due to the absence of a developed mining infrastructure, large-scale gold exports from Lebanon are improbable. The Banque du Liban manages these gold assets, positioning Lebanon among the top global holders. It's worth noting that Lebanon is one of the countries that receive the most foreign aid per capita, and it grapples with significant challenges due to its neighbors' volatile situations.
17. United Kingdom
Gold Reserves In 2023: 310.29 metric tons
Holding over 310 metric tons of gold, the UK is vital in the precious metal market. The Bank of England oversees the UK's gold reserves, highlighting gold's role in monetary policy. The UK's gold history includes the notable sale of a large portion of its reserves in the late 90s. Now, the UK serves as a significant hub for gold trade, with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) determining the globally recognized gold price benchmark. As of 2023, the country's gold reserves are worth $19.076 billion.
16. Kazakhstan
Gold Reserves In 2023: 313.53 metric tons
Kazakhstan, being among the countries with the most natural resources, boasts substantial gold reserves. Over the years, the country has consistently augmented its gold holdings, aligning with its objective to bolster its economic resilience. Major gold mines like Vasilkovskoye and Aksu contribute significantly to Kazakhstan's economy. Continued exploration and investment in this sector underscore Kazakhstan's dedication to harnessing its gold potential. The country also imports gold from Russia, the UK, and Lithuania, and its reserves are valued at $19.76 billion.
15. Saudi Arabia
Gold Reserves In 2023: 323.07 metric tons
Saudi Arabia, one of the top oil producing countries in the world, also holds substantial gold reserves. The Mahd adh-Dhahab mine, considered the cradle of the metal, highlights the kingdom's historical ties with gold. The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) has recently intensified efforts to explore and exploit gold deposits, extracting 340k ounces last year from its six mines. Of this, the Ab Duwayhi mine contributed 180k ounces.
14. Uzbekistan
Gold Reserves In 2023: 377.28 metric tons
The Muruntau mine in Uzbekistan is among the biggest gold mines in the world, covering a surface area of 3.5 by 2.5 km and reaching a depth of 600m. Operated by the state-owned Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Combinat, it has an annual gold output of approximately 3 million ounces. The country's steady gold reserve accumulation, worth $23 billion, supports its economic stability strategy.
13. Portugal
Gold Reserves In 2023: 382.63 metric tons
Historically, Portugal sourced gold from colonies like Mozambique and East Timor. Now that its colonies are independent, the country continues to hold a significant gold reserve. The Neves-Corvo mine suggests potential for mineral extraction. Managed by the Banco de Portugal, these reserves are valued at $23.5 billion in 2023.
12. Taiwan
Gold Reserves In 2023: 423.63 metric tons
Taiwan, employing astute economic strategies, maintains gold reserves of 423.63 metric tons. The Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) oversees these reserves. While Taiwan isn't known for abundant gold mines, its strategic position in East Asia has facilitated gold trading and accumulation over time.
11. Turkey
Gold Reserves In 2023: 439.75 metric tons
Turkey's rich geological framework establishes it as a significant gold producer and consumer. Its yearly gold consumption averages 121 metric tons, with a per capita consumption of 1.42 grams. Mines like Kisladag and Ağı Dağı bolster its gold production. The Central Bank of Turkey continues to increase gold reserves, reflecting the metal's strategic importance.
10. The Netherlands
Gold Reserves In 2023: 612.45 metric tons
Although not a major player in global gold mining, The Netherlands understands the strategic role of gold in economic planning. De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) manages these reserves. The DNB has emphasized gold's enduring value, considering it essential in a potential global financial reset. Valued at $37.6 billion in 2023, the reserves are stored in vaults across the globe.
9. India
Gold Reserves In 2023: 797.44 metric tons
India's cultural appreciation for gold is profound, as evidenced by yearly consumption of 672.4 metric tons, the second-highest globally. Despite lacking major gold mines, it relies on imports. The Reserve Bank of India oversees the country's gold reserves, which are currently valued at $49.02 billion. India also consistently ranks as one of the top gold importers globally; it imports most of its gold primarily from Switzerland, the UAE, and South Africa.
