Mexico remains the world’s largest silver producer based on the latest available full-year data, with global mine supply totalling roughly 820 million ounces, according to the World Silver Survey 2024 published by the Silver Institute.

Africa’s copper sector continues to shape global supply chains, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zambia, South Africa and Namibia emerging as the continent’s most important exporters of the red metal.

Copper is a critical metal for modern infrastructure, from renewable energy systems and electric vehicles to telecommunications and construction, and Chile holds far more copper beneath its soil than any other country, according to the latest figures on global mineral reserves.

The world has unearthed roughly 700 million metric tons of copper in total throughout history. That’s enough to fill a cube roughly 430 metres on each side, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Diamonds are among the most coveted and valuable natural resources globally, and while the average national diamond production value is just over $218 million, the top five producers far exceed this, highlighting an obvious concentration of economic benefit.