Gold Industry Chain: An Extraordinary Journey from Earth’s Core Treasures to Worldly Jewels

The journey of gold begins with a “treasure hunt” spanning mountains, rivers, and seas. Mineral surveying and site selection mark the starting point of the gold industry chain and are critical to the success of any project. Their accuracy directly affects the efficiency and profitability of all subsequent stages. This phase sets the “tone” for gold’s eventual extraction, requiring a professional team of geologists, engineers, and technical specialists who use science as a compass and technology as a probe to uncover hidden golden veins beneath the vast earth.

The surveying process typically progresses through four stages: regional geological survey, preliminary survey, detailed survey, and exploration. During the regional geological survey, the team uses advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and airborne geophysics to comprehensively scan the geological structure and lithology of the target area, identifying potential regions favorable for gold mineralization. These areas are often associated with ancient metamorphic belts and fault zones—a “golden gift” shaped by billions of years of Earth’s geological movements.

The preliminary survey then conducts initial reconnaissance of the potential areas through ground geological mapping and geochemical sampling to delineate prospective mineralization zones. The detailed survey focuses on key areas, employing drilling, trenching, and sampling to determine the ore body’s shape, scale, grade, and depth. Finally, the exploration phase compiles systematic geological records, analyzes samples, and calculates reserves to produce a comprehensive geological report, providing precise technical parameters and data support for subsequent mining.

Our Collaboration Distribution:
Indonesia — Grasberg Gold Mine, one of the largest gold mines in the world, located in Papua Province, rich in gold resources, classified as a porphyry copper-gold deposit; also distributed on Sumatra and Kalimantan Islands.
Myanmar — Mongyuwa Copper-Gold Mine (gold reserves approx. 150 tons) and alluvial gold deposits in the Nam Sai River Basin (Irrawaddy River Basin), mainly shallow hydrothermal and alluvial gold deposits.
Laos — Gold mines are concentrated in the Bolaven–Nanta and Oudomxay–Luang Prabang areas, including alluvial gold, porphyry copper-gold, and quartz-vein gold types, approved for development by our company.

Once the coordinates of the gold deposit are accurately determined, the mining and concentration phase begins. The core task of this stage is to extract deeply buried Gold Ore and, through a series of physical and chemical processes, remove impurities and increase the gold grade, producing a gold concentrate suitable for smelting—this is the key transformation of gold from “ore” to “metal.”

(1) Mining: The “Gold Digging Project” Deep Beneath the Earth
Gold mining is mainly divided into underground mining and open-pit mining, with the choice depending on the ore body’s depth, shape, scale, and geological conditions. Open-pit mining is suitable for shallow ore bodies with thin surface overburden, where surface soil and weathered rock are removed to form open pits, and large-scale equipment transports the ore. Underground mining is used for deeper ore bodies, accessing the ore via vertical or inclined shafts. Modern mines commonly adopt intelligent technologies and environmental management to ensure safety, efficiency, and ecological restoration simultaneously.

(2) Concentration: The “Purification Journey” with Precision
The mined Gold Ore usually has a low grade, and direct smelting would cause resource waste and high costs, making concentration essential. The concentration process is like a careful selection, using crushing, grinding, flotation, gravity separation, cyanidation, and other techniques to separate gold from gangue. Modern concentration plants use automated systems for precise control, improving gold recovery and concentrate grade.

The creation of gold concentrate is only a mid-point in the journey of gold. To reveal its dazzling essence, gold must undergo smelting and refining, raising its purity to over 99.9%.

(1) Smelting: “Separating the Pure from the Impure in Fire”
Smelting is the process of separating gold from impurities. Common methods include pyrometallurgical smelting and hydrometallurgical smelting. Pyrometallurgical smelting separates gold and silver at high temperatures, while hydrometallurgical smelting uses chemical leaching and electrolytic refining, achieving higher recovery rates and being more environmentally friendly.

(2) Refining: The “Fine Carving” Pursuit of Ultimate Purity
Refined gold can reach a purity of 99.99% and is cast into standard gold bars or used to produce various gold products. From investment bars to exquisite jewelry, from electronic components to medical materials, it demonstrates the diverse value of gold.

After being processed into finished products, gold enters the trade and circulation stage, completing the final leap from “industrial product” to “commodity.” Gold trade encompasses wholesale, retail, and global circulation.

(1) Wholesale Trade
Major global gold markets include the London Bullion Market (LBMA), the New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX), and the Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE). Commercial banks and investment institutions drive global gold circulation through trading and financial products.

(2) Retail Trade
Gold products aimed at consumers, such as jewelry, coins, and bars, are sold through jewelry stores, banks, and e-commerce platforms to meet investment, collection, and emotional needs.

(3) Global Circulation
Cross-border circulation of gold relies on secure logistics and financial clearing systems, serving as a bridge connecting global wealth and culture.

A complete gold industry chain, from exploration and site selection to trade and circulation, embodies both wisdom and hard work at every stage. Gold is not only a precious metal but also a cultural symbol and financial instrument.

In the future, the gold industry chain will develop toward greener, smarter, and more globalized directions, promoting technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and industry collaboration, continuing to write a brilliant chapter of coexistence between humanity and the Earth.