U.S. Gold Mining Increases Amid Demand For Critical Minerals

InnovationSustainabilityU.S. Gold Mining Increases Amid Demand For Critical MineralsByNoël Fletcher,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Noel Fletcher is a reporter covering renewable energy and wildlifeFollow AuthorApr 21, 2026, 11:55pm EDTApr 21, 2026, 11:55pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Golden ingots in a 44 gallon drum .gettyOne of the U.S. government’s most important activities to increase domestic critical mineral production is being developed without much fanfare: gold. Since last year, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management has steadily backed projects and sought public input on gold mining operations.President Donald Trump named gold along with uranium, copper and potash and other critical minerals in an Executive Order issued March 20, 2025 called “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production.” “Our national and economic security are now acutely threatened by our reliance upon hostile foreign powers’ mineral production. It is imperative for our national security that the United States take immediate action to facilitate domestic mineral production to the maximum possible extent,” the order stated.The top gold-producing countries are China, Russia, Australia and Canada.In 2025, U.S. gold mine production at more than 40 lode mines in 12 states yielded some 160 tons valued at $17 billion, up 32% from the previous year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. “Nevada was the leading gold-producing State, accounting for about 64% of total domestic production, followed by Alaska, which produced about 22% of domestic gold. About 7% of domestic gold was recovered as a byproduct of processing domestic base-metal ores, chiefly copper ores,” USGS noted.MORE FOR YOUTrump’s order called on a wide range of federal agencies to increase critical mineral production in numerous ways, including having t...