Gold has been a store of value for thousands of years, providing financial stability and security for individuals and nations alike. Celebrated in art and an enduring symbol of life’s most joyous milestones, gold provides a link to cultures and customs that have shaped civilization. Today, gold is at the heart of most everything high-tech. In electronics, health care, space travel and more, gold is vital to providing reliable, high quality performance. Gold has unique properties; it does not rust, tarnish or corrode. It’s a superior conductor of electricity. Amazingly flexible and virtually indestructible, gold is non-toxic and biologically benign.

The United States is the world’s second largest gold producer, capable of meeting its domestic gold needs while exporting approximately 20% of its production. The industry directly employs nearly 17,000 people, and in gold-producing states the total job impact reaches over 71,000 people including local contractors, vendors and suppliers.

Construction of a gold mine cannot begin until authorities from federal, state and local governments approve the applications that legally permit the mine’s operations – including all environmental permits. The mine must also obtain approval of a plan to reclaim the land disturbed during the mining process and, prior to construction, obligate funds that will be needed to return the site to a beneficial and productive use. Top soil is saved and vegetation is preserved or re-established as preliminary steps to reclaiming land. Ultimately, the site will be revegetated, slopes will be stabilized, process areas cleaned up, and buildings, roads and equipment removed. Many mining operations have taken additional steps to safeguard the environment and improve wildlife habitat.