Silver is very valuable and key to the economic growth of some countries. It is used for a variety of things which include jewelry and electronics. The price of silver depends on the global economy which can either fluctuate or be stable. The largest silver-producing countries listed in this article are the main countries controlling the silver market worldwide.
Here are the largest silver-producing countries in the world:
1. Mexico
Mexico is the leading largest silver-producing country in the world with production of 6,400 tonnes. Zacatecas in Mexico accounts for the largest silver production. Silver mining is a huge contributor to Mexico’s economy in terms of infrastructural development, revenue, and employment.
2. China
The second largest silver producer is China with 3,600 tonnes of silver. The country’s mining areas are located in Xinjiang, Yunnan and Mongolia. Due to mining, China faces some environmental challenges such as land degradation, water pollution, and habitat destruction.
3. Peru
Peru produces 3,100 tonnes of silver which is a byproduct of lead, zinc, and copper. The country’s mining industry is quite sophisticated. The Antamina mine is the largest in Peru which produces thousands of silver ounces.
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4. Chile
Chile also uses byproducts of gold and copper for their silver production. The country has many mining companies situated in the northern regions. They are the El Penon Mine, Chuquicamata Mine, Escondida Mine, Collahuasi Mine and Mantos Blancos Mine. Chile produces 1,400 tonnes of silver.
5. Poland
Poland is the world’s fifth largest silver producer with 1,300 tonnes of production. The country once had the largest silver reserves; notwithstanding, it is still one of the highest producers in the world. They have rhenium, platinum, lead, nickel, and gold in abundance.
6. Russia
Russia’s silver production stands at 1,200 tonnes. For some years now, Russia’s mining industry has been growing steadily. Siberia and the Ural Mountains are locations where the country’s mining activities take place. Silver is a great boost to Russia’s economy through its revenue, employment rate, and community development.
7. Australia
Australia produces 1,200 tonnes of silver. The largest silver mining in the country, Cannington is an underground mine in northwest Queensland. Zinc and lead are also manufactured there. Silver mining has a great economic impact in Australia; it generates revenue and creates employment.
8. Bolivia
Silver mining in Bolivia has been in existence for centuries. Between the 15th century and 18th century, Bolivia was contributing about 20% of the world’s silver mining. Currently, the country manufactures 1,200 tonnes of silver.
9. Argentina
Argentina’s silver mining output is 1,000 tonnes. The resources for its production are located in the Andes Mountains. The country is a great exporter of silver to countries that include Brazil, Germany, Canada and Switzerland.
10. United States
The United States is the tenth-largest manufacturer of silver in the world. The country uses byproducts of other metals such as lead, zinc, and copper to produce silver. The top-producing mines are in Nevada, Alaska, and Montana. The United States produces 1,000 tonnes of silver.