2025 saw several positive developments in the gold and silver mining sector across the globe. From major new discoveries to breakthroughs in sustainable mining and community initiatives, the industry marked significant achievements benefiting economies, environments, and local communities. Below is a curated list of six uplifting news stories from 2025, spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, each highlighting general industry progress, technological advancement, environmental improvement, community benefits, or significant new finds in gold and silver mining.

China’s Largest Gold Deposit in 70+ Years

In November 2025, China announced the discovery of its biggest gold deposit since 1949: the Dadonggou mine in Liaoning province. This “super-large” deposit contains 1,444 tonnes of gold (approximately 46 million ounces) and is valued at around $192 billion at current prices. A consortium led by China National Gold will invest heavily to develop the mine, which is expected to bolster China’s gold reserves and industry for years to come.

Kenya’s $5.3 Billion Gold Discovery

Kenya made a major breakthrough with the confirmation of a US$5.29 billion gold discovery in Kakamega County; the country’s largest gold find in decades. British firm Shanta Gold identified 1.27 million ounces at the Isulu-Bushiangala site and plans an underground mine using advanced long-hole stoping technology. The project is set to boost Kenya’s economy through job creation, increased tax and royalty revenues, and community development funds, while adhering to environmental regulations and addressing local concerns.

Europe’s New Silver-Gold Mine in Bosnia

Bosnia & Herzegovina saw a positive milestone as Adriatic Metals’ Vares project entered commercial production in July 2025. This modern polymetallic mine (producing silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper) is ramping up to its 800,000 tonnes per year capacity and has over €200 million invested. The Vares silver mine represents one of Europe’s most significant new mining operations, bringing economic growth to the region and adding a major source of silver to European markets.

Australia’s Gold Mine Runs on 100% Renewables

In Western Australia, Bellevue Gold achieved a world-first by running its new gold mine on net-zero emissions. In the first half of 2025 the operation reached Scope 1 and 2 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, making it the world’s first gold mine to do so. Bellevue’s hybrid power station (combining 26 MW of solar, 24 MW of wind, plus battery storage) regularly supplies over 80–90% renewable power, even allowing the mine to run for stretches of 84 hours entirely on wind and solar energy. This showcases a major technological and environmental advancement in mining, providing a blueprint for sustainable gold production.

Canada Greenlights a Community-Focused Gold Project

In August 2025, the province of Nova Scotia, Canada approved the new Goldboro Gold Mine project. The mine (owned by a Canadian firm) is expected to create 735 jobs and add $2.1 billion to the province’s GDP over its life. Notably, the developer has signed benefit agreements with local authorities and the Mi’kmaq First Nation to ensure community benefits, and the government attached stringent environmental conditions to the permit. This positive development will stimulate the regional economy while upholding high standards of environmental stewardship and indigenous partnership.

Nigeria Launches Mercury-Free Gold Initiative

Nigeria took an encouraging step for small-scale miners by launching the GEF GOLD+ project in late 2025 to formalize artisanal gold mining and eliminate toxic mercury use. Backed by the Global Environment Facility and UN partners, this program provides miners with cleaner, mercury-free processing technology and access to formal markets and financing. The initiative aligns with the Minamata Convention and is a “beacon of hope” for safer, sustainable gold production – aiming to protect miners’ health and the environment while improving livelihoods in mining communities.

In summary

Each of these stories exemplifies a positive trend in gold and silver mining – from record-breaking discoveries and new mines that drive economic growth, to innovation in sustainable practices and community empowerment. They highlight how, in 2025, the industry made significant strides in balancing prosperity with responsibility, benefiting a variety of stakeholders around the world.