how much gold has been excavated in human history

Gold has always fascinated mankind for centuries. The precious metal has been used as currency, jewelry, and for various other purposes. Gold is also considered a symbol of wealth and power. The desire to acquire this metal has led to the rise and fall of empires and the deaths of many people. But how much gold has been excavated in human history? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question.

Ancient Gold Mining

Gold mining dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians, the Aztecs, and the Incas were some of the earliest civilizations to mine gold. The early methods of mining were primitive and involved the use of simple tools such as picks and shovels. The gold was often panned from rivers or extracted from mines. It is estimated that during the ancient times, approximately 1.5 million metric tons of gold were mined.

Gold Mining During the Renaissance

During the Renaissance, gold mining was taken to a whole new level. With the advent of technology, mining methods improved, and more efficient machines were invented. This led to the discovery of new gold mines, and the demand for gold increased. The Spanish colonization of the Americas in the 16th century led to the discovery of several gold mines in South America. It is estimated that during the Renaissance era, around 12.6 million metric tons of gold were mined.

Gold Mining in the Modern Era

The modern era has seen an explosion in gold mining. The discovery of huge gold deposits in Australia, California, and South Africa led to the so-called “gold rushes” in the 19th century. During the 20th century, advances in technology and transportation made it easier to mine gold from remote areas. The introduction of cyanide leaching, heap leaching, and carbon-in-pulp methods increased the efficiency of gold mining. It is estimated that during the modern era, around 171,300 metric tons of gold were mined.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the total amount of gold excavated in human history is estimated to be around 185,400 metric tons. This may seem like a lot of gold, but it is only enough to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools. Gold continues to be a valuable commodity today, and its demand shows no signs of slowing down. With advances in technology, new gold deposits are being discovered all over the world. It remains to be seen whether the amount of gold mined in future will surpass the amount mined in the past.