Searching for gold is both complicated and time-consuming. With only one in every 3,000 discoveries leading to mine development, exploration can be a long and expensive process.
Naturally it makes sense to start in areas known to already contain gold deposits, but this still leaves hundreds of potential locations to explore. Golden International uses several methods to reduce the size of land to explore, but by far the most effective is the use of geophysics surveys to record the level of electrical and magnetic current in the ground.
Once an area with a high probability of a deposit has been identified, drilling commences. Crews mark the exact location and depth of each sample taken at the drill. These samples are then sent to a lab, which identifies the quantity and grade of gold within them.
Despite the extensive effort made in researching potential locations, most will be deemed unsuitable at this stage. Whilst low concentrations of gold are commonplace across the planet, we need to discover areas that contain at least 2,000 parts per billion to be considered econimically viable.
Once confirmation is received that the samples tested contain the required concentration of gold, we study the local geology. Many potential sites can still fall at this hurdle despite being otherwise suitable, as geological factors can make mining either too expensive or too dangerous to undertake.
