Gold has captivated humanity for millennia, embodying wealth and enduring value across cultures. Unlike many other natural resources, nearly all gold ever mined remains in existence once extracted from the Earth. Its unique properties ensure its continuous presence globally, prompting interest in its total quantity and where it resides.
The Total Amount of Mined Gold
The total amount of gold ever extracted from the Earth is substantial. According to the World Gold Council’s latest estimates, approximately 216,265 tonnes of gold have been mined as of early 2025. A significant portion of this total, about two-thirds, has been extracted since 1950, reflecting advancements in mining technology. To visualize this vast quantity, if all the gold ever mined were melted down and cast into a single cube, it would measure approximately 22 meters (about 72 feet) on each side.
Where the World’s Gold Resides
Once gold is mined, it enters a global circulation, finding its place in various sectors. The largest share of this above-ground gold is held in the form of jewelry, accounting for roughly 45% of the total. This highlights gold’s long-standing cultural significance and aesthetic appeal across the world. Another substantial portion, about 22%, is held as private investment, encompassing gold bars, coins, and gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These holdings reflect gold’s role as a store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainties.
Official sector holdings, primarily by central banks, constitute approximately 17% of all mined gold. Central banks globally hold about 35,940 tonnes of gold, representing more than a fifth of all gold ever extracted. These reserves serve as a strategic asset for nations, contributing to financial stability. The remaining portion, around 15%, is utilized in various industrial and technological applications.
Estimating Unmined Gold Reserves
Beyond the gold already brought to the surface, considerable amounts remain underground, categorized as “reserves” or “resources.” Gold reserves refer to deposits identified and considered economically viable to extract with current technology and market prices. The World Gold Council estimates that approximately 54,770 tonnes of gold remain in known underground reserves. The U.S. Geological Survey provides a similar estimate, suggesting around 57,000 tonnes of mineable reserves.
The total quantity of gold yet to be discovered or economically extracted is much larger, falling under the broader category of “resources.” These include deposits where there is less geological confidence or where extraction may not yet be economically feasible. Estimates for these resources can vary, with some suggesting an additional 132,110 tonnes in this category. Factors such as gold prices, advancements in mining technology, and the costs associated with extraction in increasingly remote or deeper locations continuously influence these estimates.
Primary Uses and Recirculation of Gold
Gold’s enduring presence is attributed to its unique physical and chemical properties, which enable its widespread use and remarkable recyclability. It is an excellent conductor of electricity, highly resistant to corrosion, and exceptionally malleable. These properties make gold indispensable in various industrial applications, particularly in the electronics sector, where it is used in connectors, switches, and circuit boards in devices like smartphones and computers. Gold also finds applications in dentistry due to its biocompatibility and durability, and in aerospace for its reflective properties that protect spacecraft from radiation and extreme temperatures.
Unlike many other materials that degrade over time, gold is virtually indestructible and can be melted down and reformed without losing its inherent qualities. A significant portion of the global gold supply each year comes from recycling, with recycled gold accounting for around 25% to 30% of the total supply. This high recycling rate means that most of the gold ever mined remains in active circulation, contributing to its sustained availability and value.