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Countries With Highest Silver Production: Silver has always been one of the most precious and useful metals in the world. In recent year, silver's price and demand have increased dramatically due to its growing applications in technology, solar panels, electric cars, jewellery and investments. Because of its high electrical conductivity and reflective qualities, silver is essential to the transition of many industries toward clean and sustainable energy. To meet the demands of the world, several countries have been urged to increase their mining and production capabilities.

Several countries that have long been recognised for their abundant silver reserves and sophisticated mining infrastructure produced impressive results in 2024. While some nations mine silver as a byproduct of mining other metals like copper, zinc and lead, other nations produce silver as a primary resource. 

List Of 10 Countries With Highest Silver Production

Here is the top 10 countries in the world for producing silver are highlighted in this list, along with their contributions to the global supply chain and India's place in the silver market.

No. Country 2023 Production (Metric Tonnes) Dec 2024 Production (Metric Tonnes) Mine Type (Direct/Byproduct)
 1.  Mexico  6400   6300   Both (many direct mines, some byproduct) 
 2.  China  3400   3300   Byproduct (mainly from lead, zinc, copper mines) 
 3.  Peru  3100   3100   Byproduct (mainly from copper, lead, zinc mines) 
 4.  Chile  1400   1200   Byproduct (predominantly from copper mines) 
 5.  Poland  1300   1300   Byproduct (mostly from copper mines) 
 6.  Russia  1200   1200   Both (direct and byproduct from gold, copper) 
 7.  Australia  1200   1000   Both (Cannington mine is direct; others are byproduct) 
 8.  Bolivia  1200   1300   Both (San Cristobal mine mainly byproduct, Cerro Rico direct) 
 9.  United States  1000   1100     Byproduct (primarily from gold, copper mines) 
 10.   Kazakhstan  990   1000   Byproduct (mainly from lead, zinc)

Source: World Population review (2023), CEIC (2024)


Reasons Of Highest Silver Production In These Countries

1. Mexico

top 10 silver producing countries in the world (1)Countries with highest silver production (Image: Canva)

Mexico is the world's largest producer of silver, with more than 6,000 metric tonnes produced annually. The majority of the nation's abundant silver reserves are found in Chihuahua, Durango and Zacatecas. Silver, which is frequently found with gold, lead and zinc ores, is extracted by mining companies using both open-pit and underground techniques. Mexico continues to hold the top spot in the world due to its excellent mining infrastructure and highly qualified labour force.

2. China

China ranks second globally with over 3,000 metric tonnes of silver production each year. The majority of the nation's silver is a byproduct of mining copper, zinc and lead. Silver-rich deposits can be found in provinces such as Henan, Jiangxi and Yunnan. China also makes significant investments in refining technologies to guarantee the consistent production of silver.

3. Peru

With 3,100 metric tonnes of silver produced in 2024, Peru remained the world's top producer and ranked in third position consistently. The majority of its silver comes from the Andes Mountains, where it is frequently extracted along with copper, zinc and lead. Large mining operations and favourable geological conditions for silver deposits benefit the nation.

 

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4. Chile

Since Chile is the world's largest producer of copper, Chile produces 1200 to 1400 metric tons of silver each year. The production of silver here is primarily a byproduct of copper mining. The majority of the nation's silver production comes from mines in the northern and Atacama Desert regions.

5. Poland

top 10 silver producing countries in the world (2)10 Countries with highest silver production (Image: Canva)

With 1,300 metric tonnes of silver produced in 2024, Poland was one of the world's leading producers. The Lubin and Polkowice mines in the southwest of the nation are where the majority of the silver is extracted from copper ore deposits. In order to recover silver, the Polish mining industry employs sophisticated underground mining methods.

6. Russia

Russia produced 1,200 metric tons of silver in 2024. The Far East and Siberia are the primary sources of the nation's silver, which is frequently found there along with gold and other base metals. Russia's state-owned mining firms refine and export silver in significant quantities.

7. Australia

Australia produces 1,000 metric tonnes of silver each year. In places like Queensland and New South Wales, silver is typically extracted as a byproduct of lead, zinc and copper mining. A huge amount of the nation's silver is also exported to international markets.

8. Bolivia

Bolivia increased its silver production to 1,300 metric tonnes in 2024, more than it had the year before. The primary sources remain the well-known Potosí mines and other high-altitude deposits. Bolivia's economy greatly benefits from the mining of silver.

 

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9. United States

In 2024, the US produced 1,100 metric tons of silver. The majority of silver is extracted from mines in Nevada, Alaska, and Idaho, where it is combined with base metals and gold. Silver is mined in the United States using both open-pit and underground techniques.

10. Kazakhstan

top 10 silver producing countries in the world (3)Countries with highest silver production (Image: Canva)

Kazakhstan's silver production reached 1,000 metric tons in 2024. In the country's central and eastern regions, lead and zinc mining primarily produce silver as a byproduct. With the use of contemporary extraction technologies, Kazakhstan's mining industry is still expanding.

Where does India Stands in Silver Production In the world?

India produced 700 metric tonnes of silver in 2024, placing it at the 12th position globally. Number 11th in silver production is Argetina with 900 metric tonnes each year. Most of India’s silver is produced as a by-product of zinc and lead mining, especially from the Hindustan Zinc mines in Rajasthan. The country uses advanced smelting and refining methods to meet domestic demand and export requirements.