Gold mining has a long and varied history. From when humans first started to pan for gold in streams and rivers to the present day, when large, mechanized mines operate around the world, this precious metal has been central to human economies. The first people to extract gold from the Earth were the ancient Egyptians. They used a process called nuggets which involved soaking Nuggets of gold in mercury and then smelting them down. The Greeks and Romans followed suit, as did many other cultures throughout history. The Romans did not use mercury, however. Instead, they used an amalgam of gold and silver called aureus (gold coin) or denarius (silver coin). The process by which the Romans extracted gold from silver-bearing ore is known as amalgamation.
What Are Some Modern Methods Used in Goldfields Mining?
The goldfields are notoriously hard on equipment and miners. Modern methods used in goldfields mining include hydraulic dredging, longwall mining, and trenching.
Hydraulic Dredging
Hydraulic dredging is a form of mining that involves pumping out the gold-bearing gravels and sands. This is done by using a high-pressure water jet to remove the material from the mine pit.
Longwall Mining
Longwall mining is a method of mining that involves digging horizontally into the gold-bearing rock. Longwall miners cut out a large vertical shaft that runs for several thousand feet and then excavates the rock from the bottom of the shaft to extract the gold.
Trenching
Trenching is an alternative method of mining that involves digging long parallel trenches into gravel and sands. The trenches are then filled with explosives and detonated, causing the gravel to collapse and exposing the gold-bearing rock.
Is Gold Still Worth Extracting From Old Mines?
Gold is still worth extracting from old mines because it is a valuable metal used for centuries. It can be used in jewelry, coins, and other items. Gold also has a high melting point, so it can be turned into coins or other objects that are not too heavy.
What Are the Advantages of Underground Gold Mining?
The main advantage of underground mining is that it can be performed anywhere, regardless of weather conditions. Underground mines can also be developed in hard-to-reach areas where surface mines cannot operate.
Goldfields Mining Today
Goldfields Mining is a thriving industry, and the gold mining sector employs thousands of people. Gold is still the mainstay of this industry, with production reaching thousands of kg of gold. Production is forecast to go higher by 2022. The global demand for gold continues to rise, bolstering the gold mining sector. Gold demand worldwide is rising, with China being a major source of global demand for gold.
The future of gold mining looks promising due to rising demand from China and other emerging markets.