Discover the globe’s most massive mining operations, where advanced technology and human ingenuity, along with cutting-edge technology, staggering production volumes, and billion-dollar revenues, define the giants of the extraction industry.
Here’s a look at the world’s largest mines and other significant mines in the world, spotlighting their mineral outputs, methods, ownership, and annual performances.
Introduction to Mining
Mining is the backbone of modern civilization, providing the raw materials essential for everything from smartphones to skyscrapers.
At its core, mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals, metals, or geological materials from the Earth, using a variety of techniques tailored to the type of resource and its location.
Open pit mining, for example, is a method where massive quantities of earth are removed to access minerals near the surface, as seen at the legendary Bingham Canyon Mine also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine in Utah. This iconic open pit mine, in operation since 1906, has produced over 19 million tons of copper, making it one of the most productive mining operations in history.
The mining industry encompasses not only open pit mines like Bingham Canyon, but also underground mining and other extraction methods, all working together to supply copper, iron, and countless other materials that fuel global industries.
Whether it’s the scale of the Bingham Canyon copper mine or the innovation behind modern mining operations, the industry’s impact on society and the economy is profound.
Types of Mines
The mining industry employs a range of methods to access the Earth’s mineral wealth, with the choice of technique depending on the geology, depth, and type of resource.
Open pit mining is one of the most common approaches, involving the removal of large quantities of surface material to reach valuable ore bodies.
The Grasberg Mine in Indonesia is a prime example of an open pit mine, where vast quantities of copper and gold are extracted from the surface before transitioning to underground operations as the ore body deepens.
In contrast, underground mines like the El Teniente Mine in Chile use a network of tunnels and shafts to access minerals buried deep beneath the surface, allowing for the extraction of copper ore in challenging mountainous terrain.
Surface mines, such as the Carajás Mine in Brazil, often utilize strip mining or open pit techniques to recover iron ore and other resources from near the Earth’s surface.
Each mining method, open pit, underground, or surface, offers unique advantages and challenges, shaping the way mines operate and the resources they deliver to global markets.
What are the Top 10 Largest mines in the world?
1. Bingham Canyon Mine (US)
- Production: About 25% of US copper
- Mineral/mined: Copper
- Mining method: Open pit
- Annual Revenue: Not disclosed, but estimated copper reserves at 19 million tons
- Owner: Rio Tinto Group
Bingham Canyon Mine in Utah, located near Salt Lake City, stands as the world’s largest mine, spanning 1,900 acres and reaching depths of 1,200m. Renowned for its vast copper output, this operation is a showcase for advanced open-pit mining, employing 2,500 workers and supplying a quarter of the nation’s copper demand.
It is often recognized as the biggest mine and a leading mine in the world. Owned by Rio Tinto Group, a British-Australian multinational corporation, it represents a fusion of historical legacy and modern mining prowess.
The mine’s operations rely on extensive conveyor belts to efficiently transport ore and waste material across the site.
In 2013, a massive landslide occurred at Bingham Canyon mine, marking one of the largest non-volcanic landslides in North American history and significantly impacting operations.
2. Garzweiler Mine (Germany)
- Production: 35 million tonnes of lignite coal (brown coal) per year
- Mineral/mined: Coal (lignite)
- Mining method: Surface (open pit)
- Annual Revenue: Not specified publicly
- Owner: RWE Power
Garzweiler Mine is Europe’s largest lignite coal mine (also known as brown coal), covering 48sqkm in North-Rhine Westphalia.
This surface mine and open-pit operation is critical for German electricity generation, providing low-rank, high-moisture brown coal for power plants. RWE Power employs around 1,400 people in maintaining the mine’s steady output.
3. Chuquicamata Mine (Chile)
- Production: Approximately 5% of global copper
- Mineral/mined: Copper
- Mining method: Open pit
- Annual Revenue: Not specified, but as the world’s largest open pit copper mine, it is a major income source
- Owner: Codelco (State-owned)
Located in Chile’s mineral-rich north in northern Chile, Chuquicamata is both the largest and one of the deepest open-pit copper mines worldwide (850m deep).
It is the biggest open pit copper mine in the world. This century-old project, now run by state-owned Codelco, was once part of the Anaconda Copper empire. Chuquicamata’s copper production accounts for approximately 5% of global copper, extracting significant quantities of copper that contribute substantially to the global supply.
4. Kiruna Mine (Sweden)
- Production: Around 27 million tonnes iron ore/year
- Mineral/mined: Iron ore
- Mining method: Underground
- Annual Revenue: Not disclosed
- Owner: LKAB
The Kiruna Mine is the world’s largest and most cutting-edge underground iron ore operation, making it the largest iron ore mine in the world. With ore bodies extending 4km in length and 2km in depth, it has produced over 950 million tonnes since 1898 for LKAB, Sweden’s leading mining company.
5. Grasberg Mine (Indonesia)
- Production: Estimated 482,000,000kg copper annually, significant gold and silver
- Mineral/mined: Copper, gold, silver
- Mining method: Both open pit and underground
- Annual Revenue: Estimated $40 billion in gold ore reserves
- Owner: Freeport-McMoRan, PT Indonesia Papua Metal & Mineral
Grasberg Mine is a colossal mining operation complex in Indonesia that produces more gold than any other mine on earth, as well as huge quantities of copper and silver. Located at over 4,000 meters above sea level, its high-altitude setting presents unique operational and environmental challenges.
Technological advancements have played a crucial role in enabling efficient extraction and processing at Grasberg. Its reserves and diversified mineral output support thousands of jobs in a remote mountainous region.
6. Mirny Mine (Russia)
- Production: 2,000kg of diamonds annually
- Mineral/mined: Diamonds
- Mining method: Open pit
- Annual Revenue: Not disclosed
- Owner: Mirny GOK
In eastern Siberia, the Mirny Mine is iconic for its gigantic pit, stretching 1.25km long and over 525m deep. Developed during the Soviet Union era, the mine was of strategic importance for the country’s industrial and economic ambitions.
Since 1957, the Mirny pit has produced diamonds for global jewelry and industrial markets, powering the local economy in one of Russia’s harshest environments. The extraction of natural resources such as diamonds from this region has played a significant role in both regional development and the broader resource industry.
7. El Teniente (Chile)
- Production: Roughly 500,000 tonnes copper annually
- Mineral/mined: Copper
- Mining method: Underground
- Annual Revenue: Not stated, but as the largest underground copper operation, it’s central to Chile’s mining sector
- Owner: Codelco
The El Teniente mine, deep in the Andean mountains, is an underground mine and holds the record for the world’s largest underground copper mine. Covering 3,000km of tunnels, this historic site supports thousands of workers and plays a pivotal role in Chile’s copper output.
8. Oyu Tolgoi (Mongolia)
- Production: Around 450,000 tons of copper annually; 1.7 million ounces gold produced to date. In the first half of 2022, the mine reported strong production figures, showing growth compared to previous periods.
- Mineral/mined: Copper, gold
- Mining method: Combined open pit and underground
- Annual Revenue: Not disclosed
- Owner: Rio Tinto
Oyu Tolgoi, discovered in 2001, is Mongolia’s flagship mining project. Its operation in the rugged South Gobi Desert yields vast copper and gold, fueling national development and establishing Mongolia as a competitor in global metals markets.
The site is also known as the Tolgoi mine. The mine is expected to reach full capacity by 2028, highlighting its potential as one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits.
9. Carajás Mine (Brazil)
- Production: Over 7.2 billion metric tons iron ore; also gold, copper, nickel
- Mineral/mined: Iron ore, gold, copper, nickel
- Mining method: Open pit
- Annual Revenue: Not specified, but world’s top iron ore producer
- Owner: Vale S.A.
Carajás Mine anchors Brazil’s mining sector with the globe’s richest iron ore reserves. Opened in 1995 and operating with a fleet of self-driving trucks, it delivers iron, gold, copper, and nickel to global commodity markets for Vale S.A.
Over its lifetime, the mine has produced billions of tonnes of iron ore and other minerals, underscoring its massive scale and economic impact.
10. Goldstrike Mine (US)
- Production: 44 million ounces gold, 80,000 ounces silver/year
- Mineral/mined: Gold, silver
- Mining method: Open pit and underground
- Annual Revenue: Not specified, but North America’s largest gold mine
- Owner: Barrick Gold
Goldstrike Mine is a sprawling complex in Nevada and is among the largest gold mines in the world, comprising several pits and underground shafts. Since 1986, Barrick Gold has managed operations, unleashing millions of ounces of precious metals from this vast resource.
Mining and Communities
Mining operations are deeply intertwined with the communities that surround them, bringing both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, mines can be engines of economic growth, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and driving infrastructure improvements.
The Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada, for instance, has played a pivotal role in the region by providing employment and investing in roads, power, and community facilities. However, the impact of mining is not always positive.
The Mirny Diamond Mine in Russia, while famous for its high quality diamonds and engineering marvels, has also faced criticism for environmental degradation and the displacement of local populations. Mining can alter landscapes, disrupt habitats, and sometimes lead to social tensions.
As the mining industry continues to expand, balancing the benefits of resource extraction with the well-being of local communities remains a central challenge for mining companies and policymakers alike.
Mine Safety
Safety is a top priority in the mining industry, where the risks of explosions, gas leaks, and rockfalls are ever-present. Mining operations have evolved to include rigorous safety protocols, advanced monitoring systems, and comprehensive training programs to protect workers.
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC, which operates the renowned Bingham Canyon Mine, exemplifies industry best practices by implementing a robust safety management system and regular employee training.
These measures include the use of personal protective equipment, strict maintenance schedules for heavy machinery, and detailed emergency response plans.
Despite these efforts, the mining industry continues to face challenges, as accidents can still occur due to the unpredictable nature of working deep underground or in massive open pits.
Ongoing innovation and a culture of safety are essential to minimizing risks and ensuring that mining remains a viable and responsible source of copper and other valuable resources.
Sustainability Challenges
The mining industry is under increasing pressure to address sustainability challenges, from environmental degradation to resource depletion.
Extracting and processing minerals can result in significant impacts, including water pollution, habitat destruction, and the release of hazardous substances like sulfuric acid. The Chuquicamata Mine in Chile, for example, has faced scrutiny for its environmental footprint, particularly regarding water contamination and soil degradation.
In response, many mining companies are adopting more sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing advanced water management systems.
The Cerro Verde Mine in Peru stands out for its commitment to sustainability, having invested in solar power and comprehensive water recycling initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
As the demand for minerals and metals continues to grow, the mining industry must balance the need for resource extraction with the imperative to protect ecosystems and support long-term environmental health.
Mining Mega Projects: Scale, Technology & Impact
These top 10 mines exemplify industrial might, engineering innovation, and strategic resource management. Their sheer size whether measured in pit depth, total output, land area, or workforce—marks them as monuments to modern mining.
From Bingham Canyon’s vast copper reserves in the US to Garzweiler’s coal fields powering Europe, each mine blends unique geology with economic vision.
Complex combinations of open-pit and underground mining, advanced machinery, and automation (like self-driving trucks at Carajás) are now standard at the world’s largest sites. Some operations, such as the Escondida Mine, set the gold standard for production capacity and sustainability in open-pit mining.
The companies behind these operations range from multinational giants like Rio Tinto and Vale to state-owned pioneers such as Codelco and LKAB. Major stakeholders like Sumitomo Metal Mining play a significant role in large-scale mining projects, contributing to the development and output of world-class mines.
Their annual revenues are often closely held secrets, but the immense production volumes highlight their global significance. For local regions and entire countries, these mines provide critical employment and drive infrastructure development, setting the pace in an industry that shapes economies, technologies, and landscapes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the largest mines in the world?
The largest mines in the world include the Bingham Canyon Mine in the US, Garzweiler Mine in Germany, Chuquicamata Mine in Chile, Kiruna Mine in Sweden, Grasberg Mine in Indonesia, and Mirny Diamond Mine in Russia, among others. These mines are known for their massive size, depth, and production volumes.
What is the biggest open pit mine?
The Bingham Canyon Mine, also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine in Utah, USA, is the largest open pit mine in the world. It spans 1,900 acres and reaches depths of 1,200 meters, producing significant quantities of copper annually.
How do open pit mines differ from underground mines?
Open pit mines involve removing large amounts of surface material to access ore deposits near the surface, while underground mines extract minerals through tunnels and shafts deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Both methods have unique advantages and challenges depending on the ore body and location.
What minerals are commonly extracted from the world’s largest mines?
Common minerals include copper, gold, silver, iron ore, coal (brown coal or lignite), diamonds, molybdenum, nickel, and other precious metals. Many of the largest mines produce multiple minerals simultaneously.
How do mining operations impact local communities and the environment?
Mining operations can provide economic growth, jobs, and infrastructure development but may also cause environmental disruption, habitat loss, and pollution. Modern mining companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices such as renewable energy use and water management to mitigate environmental impacts.
Which mining companies operate the largest mines?
Major multinational mining companies operating the world’s largest mines include Rio Tinto Group, Freeport-McMoRan, Vale S.A., Barrick Gold, and state-owned enterprises like Codelco and LKAB. These companies utilize advanced technology and engineering to manage large-scale mining operations.
What safety measures are in place at large mining operations?
Safety is a top priority, with rigorous protocols, advanced monitoring systems, employee training, and the use of personal protective equipment. Companies like Kennecott Utah Copper LLC exemplify best practices in ensuring worker safety in both open pit and underground mines.
How is sustainability addressed in large mining projects?
Sustainability efforts include reducing water and energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, and rehabilitating mining sites. Mines like Cerro Verde have implemented solar power and water recycling programs to reduce their environmental footprint.
What technological advancements support large-scale mining?
Technologies such as automation (including self-driving trucks), advanced drilling and blasting techniques, conveyor belt systems, and real-time monitoring have enhanced efficiency and safety in mining operations worldwide.
How long do large mines typically operate?
The lifespan of large mines varies widely depending on the size of the ore body and mining methods but often extends for several decades. Many mines, such as Chuquicamata and Bingham Canyon, have been in operation for over a century, adapting and expanding over time.
