Gold Dredging and Environmental Impact

Throughout the world mining corporations are being scrutinized for mining techniques that are becoming environmental issues. Huge areas that are ecologically unique has been devastated and destroyed by these mining corporations over the last century. As gold becomes scarcer and the demand to buy gold increases, mining corporations are running out of gold to sell and are forced to dredge vast areas to seek out the gold that are buried deep in the earth. Global financial crisis are the main culprits behind the rise in demand for gold bars, gold bullion and gold jewelry. As the general population try to secure their assets by converting cash for gold the gold stock of the world reserves are depleting fast in to the hands of the general population. Our desire for gold has affected the environment drastically by gold refiners who own gold mining companies.

This economical factor has increased mining operations indirectly to mine for gold in much bigger scales. This ‘big scale’ mining operations are conducted in bare exposed river beds with gravel bars at low tides. The dredging of this scale normally involves the use of a land anchored excavator operated by an industrial crane to shovel huge quantity of gravel and ore to a screening plant which is subsequently is fed into a sluice box that is operated in a makeshift pond. This pond is usually built by excavating the land close to the river filled with water from the river. The sluice box or floating plant traps ‘pay dirt’ or the gold that are left behind in the crevices of the riffles which act as gold ore filters, the residue or tailings are stacked behind the plant, slowly filling up in the back of the pond as the operation slowly immobilizes along the river gradually. This method of mining for gold is actually cost effective and still considered environmentally friendly. The operation only involves moving earth on a ‘one time basis’ and has minimal impact on the vegetation in the area. Also the water used for the makeshift pond is also recycled back into the river and the operation also transpires at a moving space which has no affect on the natural habitat of the area. These types of dredging operations are common in Klondike, Canada and South Island, New Zealand which is regulated by the Kiwi Government. The mining operation is strictly supervised by environmentalists, government agencies and officials from non governmental organizations.

For the reasons mentioned above is the reason why ‘cash for gold’ businesses are booming. It would be a good feeling to be paid cash for you unwanted gold jewellery. But, also to help save the environment from additional mining. So, therefor any unwanted gold jewellery items should be on sold to your local cash for gold.