Kullakaevandamine

Kullakaevandamine refers to the process of extracting gold from the earth. This can involve various methods depending on the type of gold deposit and its location. Historically, placer mining was common, where gold particles were washed from riverbeds and alluvial deposits using water and sluice boxes. Hard rock mining, also known as lode mining, is used for vein deposits where gold is embedded within rock. This typically involves drilling, blasting, and then crushing the ore to liberate the gold.

Modern gold extraction often employs chemical processes, such as cyanidation, where cyanide solutions are used to dissolve gold from crushed ore. The dissolved gold is then recovered from the solution through methods like adsorption onto activated carbon. Mercury amalgamation, a technique where mercury is used to bind with gold particles, was also historically significant but is now largely discouraged due to environmental concerns. Environmental impact is a major consideration in all forms of mining, including gold extraction, with efforts focused on minimizing land disturbance, water pollution, and the release of hazardous substances. Regulatory frameworks and best practices are in place to manage these impacts. The economic viability of gold mining is influenced by gold prices, the grade of the ore, extraction costs, and geopolitical factors.