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.
Overview »
Gold has been highly valued for thousands of years and is as popular now as it has ever been; as jewellery, as a financial asset and as an industrial product. However, the social value that the gold industry adds to societies around the world, especially in poorer countries, is less understood.
Sustainabililty »
As the global advocate for gold, the World Gold Council is committed to playing a key role in the development of a truly sustainable gold mining industry. Read how the World Gold Council supports the principles of the ICMM.
Gold mining companies regard the management of the local environment, and relationships with local communities as paramount considerations during the lifetime of any mine project, and the industry as a whole is striving to develop and integrate best practice.
In this section we look at some of the efforts being made by gold mining companies to solve some of the complex issues created by mining projects and also cast an eye on some of the external commentary which illustrates the sustainable qualities of both the gold mining industry and gold as a commodity.
Developing countries »
In much of Asia, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, gold is the best possible protection against upheaval, both political and economic.
- Members' Reports »
Customs »
Gold's function as an adornment, as jewellery, has been in existence for over 6,000 years. The earliest gold jewellery dates from the Sumerian civilization that flourished in the fertile basin between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers around 4,000 BC.
