GOLD MINING

Unearthing the Story Behind one of the World's Precious Metal

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For over 5,000 years, gold has been a part of human life. The ancient Egyptians believed it was the “flesh of the gods,” while the Romans used it to build their power and wealth. Across time, gold has stood for beauty, faith, and prosperity. It decorated temples and treasures and inspired people to explore new lands in search of its shines.

Gold is found naturally in pure form, which made it one of the first metals ever mined. What once began with simple tools and riverbeds has now become a global industry. So far, people have mined about 216,265 tonnes of gold, small enough to fit inside a cube just 22 meters wide, tall, and deep.

Even today, gold holds deep meaning. In India, it is part of every celebration and family tradition. The story of gold mining is really the story of humanity's endless fascination with something rare, beautiful, and everlasting. (Source: World Gold Council)

Gold Mining and Techniques

Gold is not easy to extract. It’s often locked inside rocks, scattered in rivers, or mixed with other minerals, making mining a complex process. Gold mining is the method of taking gold from the earth by locating deposits, evaluating their potential, and refining the metal to its pure form.

Modern mining blends technology and sustainability to ensure safe, responsible, and efficient operations. It focuses not only on profit but also on protecting the environment and supporting nearby communities.

Below are the key methods of gold mining practiced globally, each suited to different geological and economic conditions.

Where the World’s Gold Lies Hidden

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, global gold reserves total around 64,000 metric tons. Russia and Australia top the list with 12,000 tonnes each, worth about $1.7 trillion apiece.