SEVERAL STEPS OF GOLD:

1. Prospecting: Prospecting entails the search for gold deposits in suitable areas, often utilizing methods such as aerial surveys, drilling, or other exploration techniques.

2. Exploration: Upon identifying a potential gold deposit, thorough exploration of the area is necessary to assess its gold content. This involves drilling and analyzing samples to determine the presence of gold.

3. Mining: Once a sufficient quantity of gold is confirmed within the area, mining operations commence. Mining methods may include open-pit or underground techniques, depending on the location and characteristics of the gold deposit.

4. Processing: After extraction, the mined ore undergoes processing to extract the gold. This process typically involves crushing the ore into smaller particles and then separating the gold from the remaining material.

5. Refining: Finally, the extracted gold undergoes refining to remove impurities and ensure its purity for various applications. This refining process often involves chemical methods such as smelting.

HOW IS GOLD OBTAINED ?

Gold is acquired through various methods. Historically, it was extracted from alluvial deposits, such as stream beds or bodies of water, where naturally occurring nuggets or flakes of gold were discovered. Technological advancements have enabled the mining of gold from hard rock deposits, which are veins of gold ore embedded in rocks. This process involves blasting, crushing, and processing to extract minute particles of gold.

Gold can also be reclaimed from alternative sources, including electronic waste and the ocean floor. Additionally, gold is a byproduct of copper and silver mining. It is retrieved from the ore through smelting, a process that entails heating the ore in a furnace with a chemical reducing agent such as charcoal or carbon.

Subsequently, the gold is separated from the other minerals in the ore using a process called amalgamation, which forms a mercury-gold amalgam. Finally, the gold is isolated from the amalgam using a retort and collected for further use.

GOLD EXTRACTING AND REFINING :

Gold extracting and refining involves multiple steps, including mining the ore, concentrating the gold, smelting the ore, and separating the gold from other metals.

• Mining the Ore: Gold is typically found in ore or rock deposits within the earth. Extracting the gold from the ore requires mining it from the ground, which necessitates heavy equipment such as bulldozers, shovels, and draglines.

• Concentrating the Gold: Following mining, the gold must be concentrated. Gravity separation is one method used for this purpose, involving the use of water to separate the heavier gold particles from the lighter ones.

• Smelting the Ore: Once the gold is concentrated, it undergoes smelting. This process entails heating the ore to a high temperature to separate the gold from other metals present in the ore.

• Separating the Gold: After smelting, the gold needs to be separated from other metals. Electrolysis is employed for this purpose, utilizing an electric current to separate the gold from the other metals.

• Refining the Gold: Upon separation, the gold undergoes refining to remove impurities such as other metals, dirt, and dust. The gold is then melted and poured into molds to produce gold bars or coins.

USES OF GOLD :

1. Jewelry: Gold has been used in jewelry for centuries, and remains a popular choice for all kinds of jewelry items, from rings, necklaces and bracelets to earrings and more.

2. Investments: Gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset for investors, as it can help to protect against inflation and other economic issues.

3. Electronics: Gold is often used in the electronics industry due to its excellent electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

4. Medicine: Gold has been used in medicine for centuries, and is still used today to treat certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Currency: Gold has historically been used as a form of currency, and is still used in some countries today.

6. Dentistry: Gold is often used in dentistry, as it is strong and durable and can withstand the daily wear and tear of the mouth.

7. Industrial Uses: Gold is used in many industries, such as aerospace, automotive and energy, as it has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.

8. Decorative Items: Gold is often used to make decorative items such as decorative plates, vases and sculptures.

ANNUAL GOLD USAGE :

Gold is one of the most precious metals known to mankind and is used for various purposes throughout the world. Historically, gold was used as currency, in jewelry and for ornamental purposes. In recent years, gold has grown in popularity as an investment and a store of value. Gold is used in a variety of industries, including electronics, aerospace and medical technology.

Annually, gold is used in a variety of ways. The majority of gold used on a yearly basis is used in jewelry and ornamentation. According to the World Gold Council, over 70% of global gold demand is related to jewelry, with India and China being the largest consumers.

Gold is also used in the electronics industry. Gold is used as a connector in the manufacturing of electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones. Gold is also used in the aerospace industry for wiring and connectors due to its high conductivity. Gold is also used in the medical industry for implants and devices.

Gold is also used as an investment vehicle. Investors often buy gold bullion, coins and other gold-based products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and gold certificates. These products are seen as a safe-haven asset and a hedge against inflation.

Finally, gold is used in a variety of industries, such as dentistry and manufacturing. Gold is used in dentistry to create crowns and bridges, as well as other dental appliances. Gold is also used in manufacturing for plating and coating products, as well as in the production of certain chemicals.

GOLD PRODUCTION IN THE WORLD :

Gold production around the world varies greatly from country to country. According to US Geological Survey (USGS) Minerals Yearbook 2020, the top ten gold producing countries are China, Australia, Russia, United States and Canada.

China is the world's largest gold producer, producing an estimated 420 metric tons in 2020. This is more than double the amount of gold produced by Australia, which is the second-largest gold producer with an estimated 200 metric tons. The United States produced an estimated 214 metric tons, making it the third-largest gold producer.

Russia is the fourth-largest gold producer, producing an estimated 191 metric tons in 2020. Canada and Peru both produced an estimated 170 metric tons, followed by South Africa with an estimated 140 metric tons. Ghana, Mexico, and Indonesia are the world's sixth, seventh, and eighth largest gold producers, producing an estimated 130, 110, and 90 metric tons, respectively.

Overall, gold production around the world has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In 2020, the global gold production was estimated to be just over 3,500 metric tons. This is a significant increase from 1990, when global gold production was estimated at around 2,300 metric tons.