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Scientists have pinpointed the location of nearly all of Earth’s gold reserves: deep within the planet’s core. A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen indicates that approximately 99.999% of the planet’s gold is locked away in the core, a product of Earth’s formation 4.5 billion years ago. Accessing this vast treasure trove, however, remains virtually impossible.
The Immense Scale of Earth’s Core Gold
Calculations suggest that if all this gold could be extracted, it would be enough to cover the entire surface of the Earth with a layer approximately 0.5 meters (about 20 inches) thick.To put this in outlook, the total volume of gold mined by humanity throughout history amounts to only about 216,000 tonnes. According to the World Gold Council, as of 2023, this amount would form a cube with sides of just 22 meters (72 feet).
Did You know? The Earth’s core is composed mainly of iron (Fe), about 88%, with smaller amounts of nickel (Ni), about 5.5%, and trace amounts of other elements.
Geological processes and Accessible gold
The gold that is accessible to us today exists as inclusions within the Earth’s crust,the result of complex geological processes spanning billions of years. These processes have concentrated gold in specific areas,making it economically viable to mine.
However, new research suggests that trace amounts of gold may still be making their way to the surface from the Earth’s depths. This hypothesis emerged following the discovery of a rare ruthenium isotope (¹⁰⁰ru) in rocks on the ocean floor.
Researchers propose that this isotope originated near the Earth’s core. Given that ruthenium is often associated with gold, it is theorized that gold could follow a similar path to the surface. This process, however, is incredibly slow, possibly taking hundreds of millions of years.
The Allure of Asteroid Mining
With the Earth’s core gold remaining out of reach, the exploitation of resources in space is gaining traction. Asteroids hold immense quantities of resources, including precious metals like gold.
As an example, the asteroid Psyche is estimated to contain precious metals worth tens of trillions of dollars, according to a NASA study. These resources have captured the attention of space agencies and private companies, who are planning future missions to explore and potentially exploit them.
Pro Tip: Investing in companies involved in space exploration and asteroid mining could be a long-term strategy for those interested in the future of resource acquisition.
Gold Production By Country (Tonnes)
| Country | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| China | 330 | 330 |
| Australia | 310 | 320 |
| Russia | 300 | 320 |
| Canada | 170 | 220 |
| United States | 190 | 170 |
Source: Statista
The Enduring Value of Gold: An Evergreen Perspective
Gold has maintained its value throughout history, serving as a store of wealth, a medium of exchange, and a symbol of status.Its unique properties, including its resistance to corrosion and its malleability, have made it a highly sought-after material for jewelry, electronics, and other applications. The limited supply of gold, coupled with its enduring demand, ensures its continued importance in the global economy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earth’s Gold
How much gold has been mined in human history?
Approximately 216,000 tonnes of gold have been mined throughout human history.
What makes gold valuable?
Gold’s value stems from its rarity, durability, and widespread use in jewelry, electronics, and as a financial asset.
Could we ever access the gold in Earth’s core?
Currently, accessing the gold in earth’s core is technologically impossible due to the extreme depth and conditions.
What is asteroid mining, and why is it important?
Asteroid mining involves extracting resources from asteroids, offering a potential source of valuable materials like gold and platinum.
How does the discovery of gold in Earth’s core impact the gold market?
The discovery primarily highlights the vast untapped resources, but it does not promptly impact the gold market due to inaccessibility.
What are your thoughts on asteroid mining? Do you think it’s a viable solution for future resource needs?
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