Gold Deposit Types
A high-level comparison of lode, disseminated, epithermal, placer and other gold-bearing systems.
Where this fits
A high-level comparison of lode, disseminated, epithermal, placer and other gold-bearing systems. The goal is to explain its place in the wider mine-to-metal system rather than turn the subject into an operating manual.
How the system works
Gold production is a chain of physical and analytical systems rather than a single extraction step. Geology, sampling, material identity and recovery boundaries should be clear before performance numbers are compared.
Important tradeoffs
A higher ore grade does not automatically mean a better project. Mining method, recovery, scale, infrastructure, waste, water, energy and closure obligations all influence the complete system.
What professionals monitor
Sampling and assay uncertainty can propagate into planning, reconciliation and reported recovery, so representative data matters at every stage.
Lifecycle perspective
Gold remains valuable after use; recycled material can re-enter refining and reduce the share of demand that must be met from new mining.