An overview of gold’s benefits to society

Society

We examine the value of gold to today's society, including the importance of gold mining to developing economies, the role of gold jewellery as an efficient store of value and the customary importance of the yellow metal to many cultures.

FAQs

Science

We explore gold's use within industry and medicine and some of the recent scientific applications of gold which have both health and environmental benefits.

FAQs

Money

We outline the role gold plays as a monetary asset of today, identifying both the investment case for gold and how investors may access the precious metal.

FAQs

Production

We review aspects of gold production, explain how gold is mined, what the social and enviromental risks are, and how the gold industry is dealing with these issues to ensure that gold mining is managed responsibly.

FAQs

Jewellery

We explore the importance of gold jewellery in key markets across the world and explain how it is made, caratage, colours, hallmarking and what is meant by “dirty” gold.

NEW - Key points about where jewellery comes from

 

FAQs

Commitment

As the global advocate for gold, World Gold Council (WGC) is committed to playing a key role in the development of a responsible gold mining industry.

WGC and its members are committed to the principles of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) .These principles seek continual improvement in sustainable development performance. WGC is a member of the ICMM and, where relevant, follows the same principles in the way it conducts its own business.

WGC and its members also support the International Cyanide Management Code, a voluntary industry program that promotes the responsible management of cyanide used in gold mining, enhancing the protection of human health and reducing the potential for environmental impacts.