1. Mexico

Silver production: 6,300 metric tons

Mexico is the world’s largest silver producer with production of 6,300 metric tons of the precious metal in 2024, nearly double second-place China.

Silver has been an important commodity for the country for hundreds of years, with evidence of trade dating back to the 1500s. In 2024, the mining sector in Mexico contributed $312.46 billion pesos to the Mexican economy, and silver alone made up $68.24 billion pesos of that total.

The states of Zacatecas, Durango and Chihuahua account for 80 percent of the country’s total output of the metal. The country’s largest silver mine is Newmont’s (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM) Penasquito mine in Zacatecas. In 2024, the mine produced 33 million ounces (935.5 metric tons) of silver and is expected to deliver more than 28 million ounces in 2025.

Mexico is also home to Fresnillo (LSE:FRES), the world’s largest silver producer. In 2024, the company produced 56.3 million ounces (1,496 metric tons) of silver between its mines, which are all located in the country.

2. China

Silver production: 3,300 metric tons

China produced 3,300 metric tons of silver in 2024, a decline from the 3,400 metric tons it produced in 2023. According to Shanghai Metal Market (SMM), the drop off is part of a longer trend that is owed to lower silver grades as older mines begin to deplete reserves of the metal.

Most silver is produced as a byproduct metal from the mining of lead, copper, zinc and gold. Of the few silver primary operations in the country, Silvercorp Metals’ (TSX:SVM,NYSEAMERICAN:SVM) Ying mining district is the largest, hosting seven underground mines and two processing plants.

In its fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, the Ying mining district produced 6.95 million ounces (197 metric tons) of silver, up 17 percent year-over-year. The increase was supported in part by an extension to the number two mill in November 2024.

3. Peru

Silver production: 3,100 metric tons

Peru produced 3,100 metric tons of silver in 2024, making it the world’s third largest silver country. Its 2024 production was down from 3,200 metric tons in 2023, in part due to declining grades and social unrest.

Overall, the mining industry plays a significant role in the Peruvian economy, accounting for 9.5 percent of its GDP. In 2024, total mineral exports from the country were tallied at US$49 billion, with copper making up more than half of the value of trade and silver accounting for approximately US$1.3 billion.

Silver production in Peru is primarily a byproduct of copper mining. The largest operation in the country is the Antamina mine, a joint venture between BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP), Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF), Teck (TSX:TECK.B,TSX:TECK.A,NYSE:TECK) and Mitsubishi (TSE:8058). In 2024, the mine produced 11.36 million ounces of silver.

4. Bolivia

Silver production: 1,300 metric tons

Bolivia’s silver production totaled 1,300 metric tons in 2024, a slight decline from 2023’s 1,350 metric tons, tying it with Poland for the fourth highest silver producing country. The resource industry makes up a substantial portion of Bolivia’s exports. Silver exports alone generated US$1.2 billion for Bolivia’s economy in 2024.

Bolivia’s largest mine is the San Cristóbal silver-lead-zinc mine in Potosí, which produced 16.8 million ounces of silver in 2024, up 33 percent year-over-year. Private company San Cristobal Mining acquired the mine from Sumitomo (TSE:8053) in early 2023.

Another significant silver operation in Bolivia is Andean Precious Metals’ (TSXV:APM,OTCQX:ANPMF) San Bartolomé silver-gold operation. San Bartolomé’s production has steadily decreased from 5.47 million ounces in 2020 to 4.32 million ounces in 2024, during which time it transitioned from mining to processing material from its fines disposal facility and third parties.

4. Poland

Silver production: 1,300 metric tons

Silver production in Poland was 1,300 metric tons in 2024, just below the 1,320 metric tons it registered the previous year. While its output comes in significantly below the top three silver countries, Poland holds the world’s third highest silver reserves at 61,100 metric tons.

In total, the mining sector accounts for 7 percent of Poland’s GDP. In 2024, silver exports rose to 1,328.27 metric tons from 1,256.25 metric tons in 2023 and represented a value of US$1.2 billion.

KGHM Polska Miedz (FWB:KGHA) is Poland’s top silver company and one of the world’s top silver producers, producing the metal as a by-product at its Polish copper mines, including the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine. According to the World Silver Survey, KGHM produced 1,341 metric tons of silver in 2024 between its Polish and international operations.

6. Chile

Silver production: 1,200 metric tons

Chile produced 1,200 metric tons of silver in 2024, down from the 1,260 metric tons in 2023.

Mining is a significant contributor to the Chilean economy. In 2024, the sector accounted for 14 percent of the nation’s GDP and was a driving force behind the country’s overall 5.6 percent growth rate.

With 85 percent of Chilean silver output coming as a byproduct of copper mining, declines in recent years have been owed to production issues and low prices in the copper sector. According to Reuters, copper output from state-run mining company Codelco fell to a 25 year low in 2023 and struggled to recover.

At Chuquicamata, one of the company’s largest operations, silver production gradually declined from its peak of 10.91 million ounces in 2019 to 8.14 million ounces in 2023, before plunging to 5.7 million ounces in 2024.

6. Russia

Silver production: 1,200 metric tons

Russia produced 1,200 metric tons of silver in 2024, a slight decrease from the 1,240 metric tons it produced the previous year.

Mangazeya Plus is the country’s largest silver producer from its portfolio of mines in the country, including its largest silver operation, the Dukat mine, which produced an estimated 7.7 million ounces of silver in 2023.

Prior to 2024, the owner of these assets was Kazakhstan-based Polymetal International, now named Solidcore Resources. However, due to operational challenges associated with sanctions against Russian metals exports, the company sold all of its Russian mining assets to Mangazeya Plus.

8. United States

Silver production: 1,100 metric tons

The United States produced 1,100 metric tons of silver in 2024, an increase from the 1,020 metric tons mined the previous year. Silver is mined in 12 states, with Alaska and Idaho topping the list of regional producers.

Production of silver came from four silver-primary mines, with additional amounts produced as a byproduct of gold and base metals at 31 other operations.

The largest silver operation in the United States is Hecla Mining’s (NYSE:HL) Greens Creek silver mine in Southern Alaska. In 2024, the mine produced 8.48 million ounces (240 metric tons) of silver, as well as several other metals as by-products of its silver operations.

In terms of economic contribution, silver contributed US$960 million to the US economy in 2024, with the majority of the metal destined for domestic markets, with just 140 metric tons being exported.

9. Australia

Silver production: 1,000 metric tons

Australia produced 1,000 metric tons in 2024, just 30 metric tons fewer than registered in 2023.

According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, mining holds the largest share of the nation’s GDP with 12.2 percent, and resources make up 59.2 percent of the country’s total exports. However, like the United States, the majority of silver is used domestically for manufacturing and investment.

Australian silver production also comes as a byproduct of mining other metals like gold, copper and other base metals. South32’s (ASX:S32,OTC Pink:SHTLF) Cannington lead-silver-zinc mine is by far the largest silver operation in Australia, producing 12.67 million ounces of silver in 2024.

9. Kazakhstan

Silver production: 1,000 metric tons

Kazakhstan produced 1,000 metric tons of silver in 2024, up from 985 metric tons in 2023. Output in the country has risen significantly since 2020, when it produced just 435 metric tons of the precious metal.

The largest silver mining operation in the country is the Kazzinc Complex, a 70/30 joint venture between Glencore and the state-run Tau-Ken Samruk. In 2024, the mine produced 3.34 million ounces of silver, a sizable increase from the 2.73 million ounces produced in 2023.

Overall, the mining sector’s contribution to the Kazakh economy has exploded in recent years. According to the USGS Kazakhstan 2022 Mineral Yearbook released in March 2025, mineral exports were pegged at US$84.6 billion in 2022, a 40.2 percent increase compared to 2021 and 68 percent of the country’s total exports.

Pan American delivers record net earnings

Pan American Silver (TSX:PAAS,NYSE:PAAS) posted record net earnings of US$189.6 million, or US$0.52 per share, for the second quarter, supported by record mine operating earnings of US$273.3 million. Revenue came in at US$811.9 million, while silver output reached 5.1 million ounces and gold production was 178,700 ounces.

The firm’s acquisition of MAG Silver (TSX:MAG,NYSEAMERICAN:MAG), which was approved by shareholders in July, is expected to close in the second half of the year. Pan American said MAG’s Juanicipio asset should lift its silver production by roughly 35 percent on an annualized basis and meaningfully lower all-in sustaining costs.

The company also confirmed that it remains engaged in consultations with the local Xinka parliament at the Escobal mine in Guatemala under ILO Convention 169 amid pushback regarding the project’s planned restart.

First Majestic reports record revenue

First Majestic Silver (TSX:AG,NYSE:AG) recorded its strongest quarter to date, with silver equivalent production rising 48 percent year-on-year to 7.9 million ounces, including 3.7 million ounces of silver.

The company also posted record quarterly revenue of US$264.2 million, nearly double the US$136.2 million recorded a year earlier. Average realized silver prices rose to US$34.62 per silver equivalent ounce, while payable sales volumes climbed 42 percent. First Majestic ended the quarter with 424,272 ounces of silver in inventory, valued at US$15.3 million (but not recognized in quarterly revenue). The board also declared a dividend of US$0.0048 per share.

Production gains were driven by stronger performance at the San Dimas mine in Mexico, where output rose 9 percent, and contributions from the Los Gatos joint venture, also in Mexico, which added 1.5 million attributable ounces of silver.

Endeavour Silver expands via Kolpa acquisition

Endeavour Silver (TSX:EDR,NYSE:EXK) reported Q2 silver production of 1.48 million ounces and gold output of 7,755 ounces, for total silver equivalent production of 2.5 million ounces, up 13 percent year-on-year.

The silver-focused company’s overall revenue rose 46 percent to US$85.3 million for the period, supported by higher realized prices of US$32.95 per ounce of silver and US$3,320 per ounce of gold.

Furthermore, the company completed its acquisition of Minera Kolpa on May 1, funded in part by a US$50 million equity financing. Endeavour also said that it has advanced commissioning at its Mexico-based Terronera project, which is nearing commercial production. Milling rates reached up to 2,000 metric tons per day by late July, with silver recoveries averaging 71 percent and gold recoveries at 67 percent.

Hecla Mining hits records across the board

Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL) reported record quarterly revenue of US$304 million, a 16 percent increase from the prior quarter. Net income came in at US$57.6 million, or US$0.09 per share, while adjusted EBITDA reached US$132.5 million. The company said free cashflow also reached record levels.

The US- and Canada-focused firm’s silver costs remained low, with cash cost per ounce after by-product credits at negative US$5.46 and all-in sustaining costs at US$5.19.

On the production side, milestones were set at key operations: the Lucky Friday mine (Idaho) established a new milling record of 114,475 metric tons, while Greens Creek (Alaska) delivered positive gold output owing to higher grades.

Silvercorp Metals maintains consistency

Silvercorp Metals (TSX:SVM,NYSEAMERICAN:SVM) produced 1.8 million ounces of silver in its fiscal first quarter of 2026, along with 2,050 ounces of gold, 15.7 million pounds of lead and 5.2 million pounds of zinc.

Output came from its Ying Mining District in China’s Henan Province. The firm also posted revenue of US$81.3 million, with income from mine operations standing at US$35.8 million. Silvercorp said that the margins are slightly lower compared to the prior year as higher processing volumes increased costs and royalties in China.

The company said even though higher royalties and processing expenses have offset some benefits of stronger realized prices, it remains profitable and cashflow positive.

Fresnillo reports lower silver output

Fresnillo (LSE:FRES,OTC Pink:FNLPF), one of Mexico’s largest gold and silver producers, reported revenues of US$1.94 billion for the first half of 2025, up 30 percent from the same period in 2024.

The company reported that attributable silver production was 24.9 million ounces in the first half, down 11.7 percent from the year prior due to the closure of San Julián DOB and lower grades at Ciénega and Juanicipio. By contrast, attributable gold production rose 15.9 percent to 313,800 ounces, supported by higher ore grades at Herradura.

Fresnillo also confirmed that parent company Industrias Peñoles agreed to buy back the longstanding Silverstream contract for US$40 million. Since 2007, Peñoles has paid Fresnillo US$882 million for approximately 52 million ounces of silver delivered from the Sabinas mine under the arrangement.

MAG Silver navigates takeover, advances exploration

MAG Silver entered Q2 under the spotlight as its pending acquisition by Pan American Silver moved forward.

The transaction, approved by MAG shareholders in July, offers shareholders the option of receiving either cash or Pan American shares, with closing expected in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals in Mexico.

Operationally, exploration remained active across the company’s portfolio.

At Juanicipio in Mexico, MAG drilled nearly 9,500 meters underground, with results pending, while surface work added over 6,000 meters targeting the Cañada Honda and Magdalena structures.

In the US, geophysical surveys advanced at the Deer Trail project in Utah, and drilling commenced at Ontario’s Larder project, where over 5,200 meters were completed at the Italian zone.

Avino delivers revenue growth, index inclusion

Avino Silver & Gold Mines (TSX:ASM,NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) posted strong second quarter financials, with revenues rising 47 percent year-on-year to US$21.8 million.

Net income more than doubled to US$2.9 million, while mine operating income surged 118 percent to US$10.2 million, supported by economies of scale and record mill throughput.

Production from the company’s portfolio of Mexican projects reached 645,602 silver equivalent ounces, a 5 percent increase despite lower feed grades, as throughput gains offset grade variability.

Beyond operations, Avino secured inclusions in both the S&P/TSX Global Mining Index (INDEXTSI:TXGM) and the Solactive Global Silver Miners Index during the quarter.

Coeur achieves record quarter on silver and gold strength

Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE) reported record Q2 results with revenues of US$481 million and net income from continuing operations of US$71 million, marking its fifth consecutive profitable quarter. Adjusted EBITDA rose 64 percent from the prior quarter to US$244 million, while free cashflow soared eightfold to US$146 million.

The company produced 4.7 million ounces of silver and 108,487 ounces of gold, up 79 and 38 percent year-on-year, respectively, with strong contributions from all five operations. Meanwhile, crushed ore rates and production volumes climbed sharply from the company’s expanded Rochester mine in Nevada. Coeur reaffirmed its full-year guidance of 380,000 to 440,000 ounces of gold and 16.7 million to 20.3 million ounces of silver.

Silver price outlook

Silver’s breakout above US$35 has injected new momentum into the precious metals complex, and has put silver back into focus after more than a decade of underperformance relative to gold.

Traders are already eyeing the psychologically important US$40 level and ultimately the 2011 peak near US$50, with market strategists noting that previous moves through the mid-US$30s have often triggered rapid runs higher.

The renewed excitement comes as the gold price sits at a historically high level, providing a strong comparative benchmark that has many investors looking to silver as a value trade.

Behind the price action, silver’s fundamentals remain compelling. Industrial demand tied to green energy applications, paired with persistent multi-year supply deficits, continues to erode aboveground stocks.

Whether or not silver makes a sustained run in the near term, the alignment of macroeconomic factors and strong tailwinds proves that silver’s resurgence in 2025 is being built on more than just speculation.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$113,687, a 1.6 percent decline in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$112,647, while its highest was US$115,789.

Bitcoin price performance, August 20, 2025.

Chart via TradingView

Bitcoin continued its consolidation as investors awaited signals from the Federal Reserve ahead of Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech. The decline mirrored a wider crypto pullback, fueled by liquidations and bearish sentiment. Despite short-term pressure, data shows long-term holders remain confident in Bitcoin’s outlook.

Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$4,216.39, down by 2.3 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$4,074.50, and its highest valuation was US$4,311.87.

Altcoin price update

• Solana (SOL) was priced at US$181.14, down by 0.3 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$1176.13, while its highest level was US$182.90.

• XRP was trading for US$2.89, down 4.1 percent in the past 24 hours, and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest was US$2.86.

• Sui (SUI) was trading at US$3.48, down by 2.5 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.42, while its highest was US$3.64.

• Cardano (ADA) was trading at US$0.8572, down 7.9 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$0.8449, while its highest was US$0.9454.

Today’s crypto news to know

Bitcoin and Ether ETFs shed nearly US$1 billion, Fear & Greed index slips to “Fear”

Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw a wave of investor withdrawals this week, totaling nearly US$1 billion in just three days.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded US$533 million in outflows on Tuesday (August 19), more than quadruple Monday’s figure. Ether ETFs also faced steep losses, with outflows jumping from US$200 million on Monday to US$422 million the next day.

Together, the two assets have seen US$1.3 billion in withdrawals since last Wednesday, coinciding with price declines of 8.3 percent for Bitcoin and 10.8 percent for Ether.

Investor sentiment in the crypto market has turned sharply negative following three straight days of heavy ETF outflows.

The widely followed Crypto Fear & Greed Index dropped to 44 on Wednesday, slipping into the “Fear” category for the first time in weeks. The index tracks volatility, market momentum, and trading activity to gauge overall mood, and its decline reflects mounting concerns over recent price drops.

Fed supervision chief pushes for Crypto integration

Michelle Bowman, the US Federal Reserve’s new vice chair for supervision, signaled strong support for crypto adoption in her first major policy speech on the subject.

Speaking at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, Bowman argued that banks risk becoming irrelevant if they fail to embrace digital assets, calling for a “clear, strategic regulatory framework” tailored to crypto rather than relying on outdated banking standards.

Bowman, who was nominated by President Donald Trump and sworn in two months ago, will play a central role in shaping US rules for stablecoins under the GENIUS Act.

In her remarks, she highlighted tokenization’s potential to reduce costs and improve financial efficiency, while stressing that regulators must distinguish digital assets from traditional instruments. She even suggested Fed staff should be allowed to hold small amounts of crypto to gain hands-on experience, likening it to learning how to ski by actually putting on skis.

‘We stand at a crossroads: we can either seize the opportunity to shape the future or risk being left behind,’ Bowman said.

South Korea halts new crypto lending amid investor losses, regulatory scrutiny

South Korea’s financial watchdog has ordered domestic crypto exchanges to stop offering new lending products, citing rising risks and investor losses.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) confirmed that exchanges must suspend fresh lending operations until official guidelines are finalized.

Existing contracts, including repayments and maturity rollovers, will be allowed to continue in the meantime.

The decision follows reports of forced liquidations, with one exchange seeing over 3,600 users lose funds out of 27,600 participants in just a month, representing roughly US$1.1 billion in trading volume. Regulators also flagged cases of Tether-based lending that triggered unusual selling pressure on the stablecoin.

The FSC said it will carry out inspections and take enforcement action against platforms that fail to comply.