Understanding the global distribution of mineral resources > CommonSense

Understanding the global distribution of mineral resources is crucial for various industries and economic planning. Below is an overview of major minerals, their primary mining locations, and production statistics:

**1. Aluminum (Bauxite):**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **Australia:** Leading global producer with significant mines in Western Australia and Queensland.
  - **China:** Substantial production primarily in Shanxi and Henan provinces.
- **Production Data:** According to the British Geological Survey, Australia and China have consistently been top producers in recent years. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**2. Copper:**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **Chile:** Home to the world's largest copper mine, Escondida, contributing significantly to global supply.
  - **Peru:** Notable mines include Cerro Verde and Antamina.
- **Production Data:** Chile and Peru have maintained leading positions in copper production. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**3. Gold:**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **China:** Leading producer with mines in Shandong and Henan provinces.
  - **Australia:** Significant production from mines in Western Australia.
- **Production Data:** China and Australia have been at the forefront of gold production. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**4. Iron Ore:**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **Australia:** Major mines in the Pilbara region contribute to its top producer status.
  - **Brazil:** Significant production from the Carajás Mine.
- **Production Data:** Australia and Brazil are leading iron ore producers. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**5. Nickel:**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **Indonesia:** The largest producer, with substantial mining activities in Sulawesi and Maluku islands.
  - **Philippines:** Notable production from the Mindanao and Palawan regions.
- **Production Data:** Indonesia's nickel production surged from 358,000 tons in 2017 to 2.2 million tons in 2023. ([로이터](https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/only-indonesia-can-help-nickel-recover-price-bust-andy-home-2025-01-22/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**6. Lithium:**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **Australia:** Significant production from the Greenbushes mine in Western Australia.
  - **Chile:** Notable lithium extraction from the Salar de Atacama.
- **Production Data:** Australia and Chile are leading lithium producers. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**7. Zinc:**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **China:** Leading producer with mines in Inner Mongolia and Hunan province.
  - **Peru:** Significant production from the Antamina and Cerro de Pasco mines.
- **Production Data:** China and Peru have been top zinc producers. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**8. Platinum Group Metals (PGMs):**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **South Africa:** Dominates global production with mines in the Bushveld Complex.
  - **Russia:** Significant production from the Norilsk region.
- **Production Data:** South Africa and Russia are leading PGM producers. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**9. Diamonds:**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **Russia:** Leading producer with significant mines in Yakutia.
  - **Botswana:** Notable production from the Jwaneng and Orapa mines.
- **Production Data:** Russia and Botswana have been top diamond producers. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

**10. Uranium:**
- **Major Producers:**
  - **Kazakhstan:** Leading producer with numerous in-situ recovery mines.
  - **Canada:** Significant production from the Cigar Lake and McArthur River mines.
- **Production Data:** Kazakhstan and Canada are leading uranium producers. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

For comprehensive and up-to-date statistics on global mineral production, the following resources are recommended:

- **British Geological Survey (BGS):** Provides detailed annual reports on world mineral production. ([British Geological Survey](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/statistics/world-mineral-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

- **U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):** Offers extensive data on international mineral resources and production. ([USGS](https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/international-minerals-statistics-and-information?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

- **World Mining Data:** Compiles production figures of various mineral commodities from numerous countries. ([World Mining Data](https://www.world-mining-data.info/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

These sources offer in-depth insights into the locations and production volumes of minerals worldwide, aiding in research and strategic planning.