To conduct our research, we had to simulate speculative scenarios in which gold consumption may decrease to more sustainable levels. We investigated a fully circular gold economy where the world's total supply of gold comes from recycled sources using current recycling rates. Even today, recycling meets about a quarter of the yearly demand for gold, making it one of the most recycled commodities in the world. The recycling technique consumes 1% less water and carbon than gold mining while using no mercury.

We discovered that none of gold's three primary uses—as jewelry, technology, or an investment—would necessarily be affected if global gold mining declined.

Aiming towards circularity

Our model demonstrated that even if all gold mining stopped tomorrow, the industrial need for gold (mostly utilized in cellphones and dentistry) could be met for years. Moreover, we discovered that recycled gold could still be used to make jewelry even in a fully circular gold sector. There would still be more than enough for necessities even if there would only be around 55% less. Investors would have to restrict their trade to current reserves and stop stocking up on freshly produced gold for this future to become a reality.

The identical 24-karat pure gold ring would cost more to consumers in a world where the availability of gold is declining. But it is more likely that consumers would switch to already well-liked, less expensive gold alloys. Yet, as customers become increasingly concerned with making sustainable decisions, the demand for gold may drop.

Regardless of extraction, the part that invested gold plays in the world economy would probably continue to exist. Gold is valued because it is rare, just like Renaissance art. The purchasing and selling of gold for bank vaults would continue even if gold production were to halt. Instead, it would increase the value of the gold already in stock.

Impacted by various transitions

The exploitation of fossil fuels harms the ecosystem just like the mining of gold does. Yet, unlike gold, fossil fuels give homes and businesses heat and electricity, car power, and crop fertilizer. It took decades of study and investment in renewable energy technology to transition away from this resource.

Finding alternatives to gold, however, does not call for any investigation. By combining gold with other metals, jewelry may be more environmentally friendly. Investors can diversify into other reliable assets while relying on current gold stocks. For as long as it makes sense, technology can continue to employ recycled gold.

Conclusion

There are many challenging sustainability trade-offs around the globe. Gold claim for sale Oregon is not one of them, and it stands out as a simple solution to lessen humanity's impact on a vulnerable planet and draw down this business.