10 Biggest Mining Operations in The World

Summary

This video explores the world's 10 largest mining operations, from the Grassburg gold and copper mine in Indonesia, which is a significant taxpayer and believed to be worth a hundred billion dollars, to the Escondida mine in Chile, the world's leading copper producer. It also covers the El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine, and the Mir diamond mine in Russia, which faced extreme weather challenges. The Orapa diamond mine in Botswana, the Karajás iron mine in Brazil, and the Greenbushes lithium mine in Australia are also highlighted, showcasing the scale and impact of these operations on the global economy and the environment.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Grasberg mine in Indonesia is home to the largest gold reserve and one of the top copper reserves in the world, controlled by Freeport-McMoRan.
• ⛏️ The Escondida mine in Chile is the largest source of copper globally, accounting for 32% of global production, with operations 10,000 feet above sea level in the Atacama Desert.
• 🏔️ El Teniente in Chile is the largest underground copper mine, with 1,900 miles of tunnels, and is operated by Chile’s state-owned company, Codelco.
• 🛠️ Chukicamata, another major copper mine in Chile, has been mined since 550 A.D., producing billions of tons of copper and continuing to expand with new tunnels.
• 💎 The Mir mine in Russia, a massive diamond operation, had one of the largest diamond productions and reopened in 2009 after being halted due to a flood.
• 💍 Botswana’s Orapa diamond mine is the largest in the world by area and is a key driver of Botswana’s economy, producing 10.8 million carats of diamonds annually.
• ⚒️ Brazil’s Carajás iron mine, discovered by accident in 1967, is the largest iron ore mine in the world, producing massive amounts of iron and other minerals.
• 🔋 Western Australia's Greenbushes mine is the largest lithium producer globally, supplying materials for lithium-ion batteries used in electronic devices.
• 💰 Uzbekistan’s Muruntau gold mine, one of the largest gold deposits in the world, produces millions of ounces of gold annually and continues to grow in production.
• 🏞️ The Bingham Canyon mine in Utah is the largest artificial excavation and the deepest open-pit mine, producing millions of tons of copper since 1906.

Q & A

What is the largest known gold reserve on Earth located in?

The largest known gold reserve on Earth is located at the Grasberg gold and copper mine in Indonesia.

In which year was the Grasberg mine discovered, and when did mining operations begin?

The Grasberg mine was discovered in 1936, but mining operations didn't begin until the 1970s.

What is the significance of the Escondida mine in Chile's economy?

The Escondida mine in Chile is the world's leading producer of copper, accounting for 32% of all production and making up a massive portion of the Chilean GDP.

How deep is the Chuquicamata copper mine, and what is its historical significance?

The Chuquicamata copper mine is 3,200 feet deep and is the largest open pit copper mine in the world. It has been in operation since 1910, with mining activities dating back to the 6th century.

What is unique about the Mir diamond mine in Russia?

The Mir diamond mine in Russia is unique because it was built 280 miles away from the Arctic Circle and was the largest diamond mine in Russia and one of the biggest in the world.

How does the Orapa diamond mine contribute to Botswana's economy?

The Orapa diamond mine contributes significantly to Botswana's economy by transforming the country from an impoverished nation to a thriving middle-income country, with most of the diamond revenue being reinvested in health, education, social assistance, and public infrastructure.

What is the significance of the Karajás iron mine in Brazil?

The Karajás iron mine in Brazil is the world's largest iron mine and is fully owned by the Brazilian mining company Vale, playing a crucial role in Brazil's status as the second-largest iron producer in the world.

What is the Greenbushes mine known for, and how does it impact the global lithium market?

The Greenbushes mine in Western Australia is known for being the largest lithium mine in the world, accounting for over one-fifth of global lithium production, which is vital for the production of lithium-ion batteries used in various rechargeable devices.

What is the Muruntau gold mine's annual gold production, and what is its significance?

The Muruntau gold mine in Uzbekistan produced 3 million ounces of gold in 2021. It is one of the largest gold operations on Earth and is a significant contributor to the global gold supply.

What is the historical background of the Bingham Canyon mine, and what is its current status?

The Bingham Canyon mine, discovered in 1848, is the largest artificial excavation site in the world and the deepest open-pit mine. It is currently managed by Rio Tinto and Kennecott Utah Copper, accounting for over 16% of copper produced in the United States.