⛏ Muruntau gold deposit

The Muruntau gold deposit is situated in the Qizilqum Desert of Uzbekistan. It is being mined in the world's largest open-pit gold mine with production believed to be of the order of two million ounces per annum. The open pit measures about 3.5 by 2.5 km and extends to a depth of 560m (2012). The gold ore resource in the Muruntau deposit, including production, is about 170 million ounces of gold. This gives the mine a reserves-to-production ratio of 85 years. The mine is owned and operated by Uzbekistan state-owned Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company.