How Gold Is Mined
How do miners find gold hidden underground? Follow the steps from the first discovery to extraction.
Explore the mining guide →A world of gold. A little curiosity.There’s more to gold
There’s more to gold
than its shine.
From the rock beneath our feet to the jewellery we wear, every discovery starts with a question. What will you explore first?
CHOOSE YOUR FIRST DISCOVERYBrowse all starting guides
A little knowledge goes a long way
How much gold is in your gold?
Choose a karat to explore its nominal gold content. Karat measures purity on a 24-part scale.
Read the full gold purity guide →Approximately 100%24K · nominal gold content
Calculated as karat ÷ 24. Actual fineness depends on the item; this tool does not authenticate gold.
Explore by topic
Start with the essentials
Three questions to start your journey. Pick the one that sparks your curiosity.
24K vs 22K vs 18K Gold
What changes when gold is mixed with other metals? Compare purity, appearance and everyday uses.
Compare gold purity →
Is Your Gold Real?
A golden shine is only the first clue. Explore what markings and simple checks can tell you, and when expert testing is needed.
Read the authenticity guide →From the library
Mining Process
How Gold Is Extracted From Ore
A step-by-step look at how gold is separated from ore.
Read extraction guide →
Mining Methods
Open-Pit vs Underground Mining
Compare two approaches to reaching gold deposits.
Compare mining methods →
Gold Processing
The Gold Smelting Process
Follow the next stage in turning concentrated material into metal.
Understand gold smelting →Different places. Shared curiosity.
Browse countries →Explore gold mining by country
Featured guideFollow the journey
Follow the journey
from ore to gold.
From exploration and mining to extraction, smelting and refining, discover how gold makes its journey from the earth to a finished bar.
Explore the processBuild your gold knowledge
Learn the basics
Get familiar with key terms, gold purity and core concepts.
Understand the process
Explore how gold is mined, extracted and refined.
Explore deeper
Dive into country guides, operations and discoveries.
Common questions
What is gold ore?
Gold ore is rock containing gold. Mining and processing methods separate the valuable metal from the surrounding material. Explore the extraction guide →
What does 24K gold mean?
Karats describe gold purity. 24K represents pure gold, while lower karat grades contain a greater proportion of other metals. Compare 24K, 22K and 18K →
How is gold refined?
Refining removes impurities to increase gold purity. The method depends on the material being processed and the required result. Browse processing guides →