Gold may be expensive for many, but that is mostly when we
look at gold jewelry. Gold is actually used in a variety of industries such
as semiconductor industries, food industries, manufacturing and many more. Most
of us who only know gold as being used to create jewelry and decorations are
unaware of the vast scope of gold’s applications, and hence its rising demand.
This has led to many goldmines worldwide working round the
clock to mine all the gold the world needs. The USA is one of the biggest producers
of gold due to the presence of many gold-rich belts in the country. The gold mining process is a highly tedious and lengthy process, as it can take a lot of time
to find and my gold. Here is a detailed documentation of steps involved in
gold mining process:
Step 1: Looking for Source
The first step involves looking for an area that is rich in
gold deposits. Many scientists and geologists are employed by mining firms to
explore historically gold-rich areas and determine the approximate quantity of
gold that can be feasibly mined. Once the areas are identified, the next step
is to develop a mine.
Step 2: Developing the Mine
The second step involves developing and setting up a mine in
the gold-rich area. If the area is a site of the previous mine, then that mine is
redeveloped and redesigned by the new mining firm to tailor it towards their
operations. Tunnels are dug, heavy equipment shipped to the mining site,
electricity and water are arranged, and shelter for miners and officers are set
up in the area surrounding the mine. Miners are also hired and trained to be
able to work and move around in the mine safely. Permits are also obtained as
necessary.
Step 3: Beginning of Operations
The next step is the main step where gold mining actually
starts. If the gold is present relatively close to the surface, then gold can
be found within 1 year or less of the start of mining operations. But if gold is
present deep inside or if the terrain is rough and hard, it may take many years
before the first batch of gold is mined. The amount of time a mine is in
operation varies from a few years to over a decade or more, depending on the
amount of mineable gold in the site.
Step 4: Ceasing Operations
Mining firms cannot mine gold infinitely, as there comes a
point when gold reserves are fully depleted. In fact, many mines choose to
cease operations even if gold is present, citing unfeasibility and safety
reasons; maybe the mine is extremely unsafe to work in after years of mining,
or the cost of mining is far more expensive than the profits obtained from
gold. But when such a point in time arrives, the mining company has to start
limiting its operations gradually, eventually ceasing all operations. Equipment
is removed from the site, tunnels are blocked off and the mine is decommissioned.
Step 5: Cleanup and Land Reclamation
It is the responsibility of mining firms to clean up the
surrounding area and let the land reclaimed back to nature. Mining firms
can either employ in-house departments to clean up the area or hire 3rd
party firms for the same. Cleanup includes marking hazardous areas, disposing
of waste, closing off unsafe sections of the mine, putting back any dug-up
areas and many more. Cleanup post-mining is not actually mandatory for mining
companies, but they have a moral obligation to do so, especially if the mine is
located in close proximity to a settlement such as a city, town or village where
people live.