What Is the Total Mass of Gold on Earth ?

In the fascination with precious metals, one question that often emerges is: what is the total mass of gold on Earth ? The answer to this rather intriguing query is not as straightforward as one would hope, and it takes us on a fascinating journey through time and geology. So, let’s embark on this adventure together.

The Abundance of Gold on Earth: a Status Report

Quantity and Location

How much gold is there in the world ? According to various sources, estimates slightly vary. Thomson Reuters GFMS, a precious metals consultancy, puts the figure at around 171, 300 tonnes of gold extracted globally. Other estimates talk about 190, 000 to 200, 000 tonnes of discovered gold so far, with most of these finds occurring over the last fifty years.

The Scarcity Factor

Despite our seemingly substantial findings, the total quantity of gold on Earth is considered relatively scarce. This perception is further underscored by the fact that all extracted gold worldwide could fit into a relatively small cube. For instance, in 2009 it was calculated that approximately 165, 600 tonnes of gold had been extracted – roughly equivalent to a cube with edges measuring about 20.5 meters.

Having examined the abundance and scarcity elements relating to global gold reserves, we now transition into an exploration of mankind’s historical relationship with this precious metal.

History and Extraction of Gold: from Past to Present

Ancient Gold Mining

Harking back to ancient times, nearly 187, 200 tonnes of gold have been mined worldwide, with some earliest mines dating back about 400 years B.C. in France.

The Modern-day Gold Rush

In the modern era, gold extraction has accelerated, with 65% of the gold having been extracted over the last 60 years. Today, an annual yield ranges between 2, 700 to 3, 300 tonnes, with over a third coming from Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa.

With a clear understanding of how our history intertwines with gold extraction, it becomes easier to contextualize its current production and future potential.

The Current Gold Production: global Figures and Trends

Global Gold Production

The world’s gold production is a testament to human ingenuity and tenacity. With every passing year, approximately an additional 2, 700 to 3, 300 tonnes are added to our global stockpile. Over 30% of this yearly increment comes from one mine alone – located in South Africa’s Witwatersrand Basin.

Trends in Gold Mining

The rising trend in gold mining marks an interesting chapter in human exploration. As existing mines deplete their reserves, miners push further into remote regions and deeper underground. The demand for gold remains undiminished while the quest for new deposits persists relentlessly.

Moving forward from here allows us to speculate about the future prospects of gold – will we exhaust our reserves or discover unexplored potential ?

The Future of Gold: depleting Reserves or Untapped Potential ?

Predicted Depletion

Looking at the figures, it’s estimated that there are around 50, 000 tonnes of buried gold left in underground reserves. However, extracting these would require increasingly deep digs.

Potential Discoveries

On the flip side, potential new discoveries, advancements in mining technology and fluctuation in gold prices could rewrite the narrative about our golden future.

To wrap up this exploration, let’s recap some key points from our journey through time and into the heart of the Earth.

If we were to take stock right now, all the gold dug out of the Earth would amount to roughly 190, 000 – 200, 000 tonnes. This seems like a substantial amount until you realize that it could all fit into a cube measuring just over 20 meters per side. With each passing year we extract between 2, 700 to 3, 300 tonnes more, but there might be only around 50, 000 tonnes left buried underground. However, as our past has shown us with its unexpected gold rushes and technological breakthroughs – when it comes to golden opportunities, never say never.