(Kitco News) - Kitco estimated thatCarlin was the largest gold operation in the United States in Q2 2021, and thatthe domestic gold mining sector produced 1,370 koz of gold in Q2 2021, 6% less than1,460 koz produced a year ago.
Kitco ranked the top 10largest gold mines in the US based on gold production reported for Q2 2021.
Barrick's Carlin isthe largest gold operation in the US and the second largest in the world. Goldproduction in Q2 2021 of 309 koz was 19% lower compared to the second quarterof 2020, mainly from lower roaster throughput due to the previously announcedannual maintenance shutdowns at both the Carlin roasters.
In addition, on May 26, 2021,the Goldstrike roaster experienced a failure at one of its two mills resultingin a 40% reduction in throughput for the remainder of the second quarter of2021.
Another Barrick's Cortez mine sits second. Gold production in Q2 2021 of 179 koz was 17% lower comparedto Q2 2020, mainly due to lower refractory ore tonnes processed at the Carlinroasters as a result of displacement by higher grade Carlin refractory ore.
Another Barrick's TurquoiseRidge mine is third. Gold production in Q2 2021 of 127 koz was 1% lowerthan in Q2 2020 due to a decrease in open pit tonnes as the current phase ofopen pit mining nears completion, scheduled for the third quarter of 2021.
Another Barrick's LongCanyon mine sits fourth. Gold production for Long Canyon in the secondquarter of 2021 of 75 koz was 15% higher compared to the second quarter of 2020.This was primarily due to the timing of ore placement in the first quarter of2021, which benefited production in the second quarter given heap leach productioncycle times.
At Kinross' Round Mountain gold mine, the fifth largest gold operation in the US, production of 68 koz ofgold in Q2 2021 was lower quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year mainly due todeferred mining in the north wall of the Phase W area as a result of wallinstability detected in Q1 2021, as well as anticipated lower mill grades.
At another Kinross' FortKnox mine, the sixth largest gold operation in the US, production of 63 kozof gold in Q2 2021 was higher compared with Q1 2021 and Q2 2020 primarily dueto an increase of ounces recovered from the new Barnes Creek heap leach pad.
The complete list is on thechart.
Top 10 largest gold mines in the US in Q22021

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