Unlike paper currency or many other types of assets, gold has maintained its value throughout the ages. First used by cultures in modern-day Eastern Europe in 4,000 BC to make decorative objects, the metal today represents a global business with operations on every continent, except Antarctica. The industry is dominated by a select group of majors. More than 90% of the gold mined annually is destined for jewelry, bullion, and coins. The metal is also used in dentistry, as it is the best material for fillings and crowns since it is easy to insert, and is non-reactive with the human body.
Here are the top 10 largest gold mining companies in the world.
| Rank | Company | Production |
| 1. | Newmont | 5.88 million ounces |
| 2. | Barrick Gold | 4.84 million ounces |
| 3. | Polyus | 2.87 million ounces |
| 4. | AngloGold Ashanti | 2.81 million ounces |
| 5. | Kinross Gold | 2.38 million ounces |
| 6. | Gold Fields | 2.13 million ounces |
| 7. | Newcrest Mining | 2.06 million ounces |
| 8. | Agnico Eagle | 1.73 million ounces |
| 9. | Polymetal International | 1.40 million ounces |
| 10. | Harmony Gold | 1.38 million ounces |
