Dubai Mining Show

This November, the city of gold, Dubai, hosts the 13th edition of the Mining Show. In this show, stakeholders from the mining, quarrying and mineral processing ecosystem gather to discuss important issues concerning the mining world. Mainly how operations will go while recovering from the pandemic, new policies and regulations, and developing processes across the globe to be more efficient and eco-friendly.

Gold is among the precious minerals that are being mined worldwide, and it is one of the most important metals ever. Gold’s importance stems from the fact that this precious material can be used in many fields and industries. In addition, its unique characteristics and features allow humans to use gold in many applications besides jewellery.

As it is well known to all, gold is the main item for jewellery making, with its ability to be shaped, hammered easily. Alongside its brightness, that adds a lavish look to rings, bracelets, earrings, etc. Also, since gold does not rust or tarnish, it becomes easy to carry on to future generations as many royalty members store their heirloom of gold jewellery set and gold crowns to pass by to their heirs.

Another popular usage of gold is coins. Gold has been used as a currency as early as 560 BC. Even in recent years, some countries linked and fixed their currency to their gold storage since gold is valuable. For example, after the Second World War, the US government had a similar practice till the government abandoned this during the 1970s. It is important to mention here that many countries use gold coins, especially ancient currency coins, as a pendant to be attached to gold necklaces.

One of gold’s ancient applications is in the dentistry field. The first record of using gold in dentistry dates back 2000 years ago. Gold was used as gold wires and infilling as well. Currently, gold is still used, and its application has extended to crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances. It is popular due to its aesthetic feature, the fact that it is not toxic and does not cause allergy, and it can be handled easily and reshaped. How many of us choose to complement their look with a gold bridge or gold tooth instead of a gold bracelet for a change!

For the same reason of gold not being toxic and the possibility of causing allergy is very low compared to other materials, gold is edible. Therefore, many restaurants, especially in Asian countries, use small quantities of gold in food. In addition, gold is added in food gifts such as fruits or sweets, and gold leaf is popular to be used in some drinks.

Going back to the aesthetic appearance that gold provides us, we need to mention gold in fashion. We don’t mean by this how to match a pair of gold earrings to your outfit or what gold necklace can fit your special occasion and dress perfectly. By gold in fashion, we mean gold being used in embroidery. This practice was originated in China and moved to different parts of the world, such as India, the UK and other parts of Europe.

Again due to its amazing features, gold is a highly efficient conductor. For this reason, gold is used in technology such as iPhones, desktop and laptop computers and TV

The usage of gold does not end here. Gold is also used in space vehicles. No wonder, as this noble metal had arrived on earth from space billions of years ago.