Did you know that gold is a finite resource? Despite advances in technology, there’s a limited amount of gold available on Earth. To date, only 2,440,000 metric tons of gold have been discovered. Although miners use cutting-edge technology like automation and robotics to locate and extract gold, the total supply remains unchanged. But here’s the real issue — the demand for gold is growing faster than ever before.

The Problem: A Finite Resource Struggling to Meet Growing Demand

You might be wondering, isn’t this a problem for us? The short answer is YES. Global gold consumption — spanning industries like investment, technology, and jewellery — exceeds 5,000 metric tons each year. This demand continues to rise, and experts predict that by 2050, gold will no longer be commercially sustainable. We are heading toward a crisis where the supply of newly mined gold will no longer meet the global demand.

To put things into perspective, it’s estimated that around 212,582 tonnes of gold have been mined throughout history, and two-thirds of this has been mined since 1950. While gold is nearly indestructible and can be reused, the increasing consumption combined with the limited supply creates an urgent problem that needs solving.

The Gold Shortage Could Be Just Around the Corner

As we continue to extract gold at a rapid pace, we are putting more strain on an already limited resource. Gold’s value and allure stem from its rarity and unique properties, but if we don’t take action soon, we could face a future where the scarcity of gold leads to sky-high prices and a larger environmental impact from mining activities.

But here’s where the exciting part begins: gold is infinitely recyclable.

This property means that while we can’t make new gold out of thin air (haven’t quite figured out alchemy yet, although nuclear transmutation is close!), we can repurpose existing gold. Even the tiniest quantities from outdated electronics, jewellery, or industrial waste can be extracted and reused. And this isn’t just a pipe dream — it’s already happening.

The Rise of Recycled Gold and Sustainable Practices

Thanks to innovative new chemical processes, up to 99% of gold can be extracted from e-waste such as memory chips and circuit boards. This technology is becoming more accessible, especially as the process operates at room temperature and doesn’t require the excessive heat that traditional gold extraction methods do. This is an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to meet the growing demand for gold while reducing the impact on the environment.

In fact, the Royal Mint is leading the charge in sustainable gold practices. In 2023, they opened their first Gold Recycling Factory in South Wales. This pioneering facility uses technology from clean tech company Excir to extract gold from printed circuit boards, with a processing capacity of up to 4,000 tons of e-waste annually. This gold is then converted into high-quality solid gold jewellery for their brand 886.

The Royal Mint is not alone in this effort. As more industries and brands see the environmental and economic benefits of using recycled gold, we can expect to see more luxury goods made from this sustainable material.

Recycled gold offers an incredible environmental benefit: it has a much lower carbon footprint than mined gold, producing up to 99.8% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. For example, one gram of recycled gold produces just 53 grams of greenhouse gases, while one gram of mined gold generates a staggering 36,410 grams! This dramatic reduction in emissions is a crucial step toward achieving a more sustainable future.

The Future is Recycled Gold: Our New Carolean Gold Sovereign

At Hattons of London, we are proud to lead the way in offering recycled gold coins as part of our commitment to sustainability. Our 2024 King’s Birthday Carolean Gold Sovereign range is minted using 100% certified recycled gold, sourced from ethically processed e-waste.

By choosing our Carolean Gold Sovereign, you not only invest in a stunning piece of history, but you also support a movement toward sustainable luxury. Here are some key features and benefits:

• Made from 100% Recycled Gold: The coin is minted from the same sustainable material that is helping to reduce gold’s environmental impact.
• Honouring King Charles III: The design is a tribute to the legacy of King Charles and his commitment to sustainability, reflecting both his values and the future of responsible gold usage.
• Exceptional Craftsmanship: Each coin is meticulously crafted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that it maintains the high standards Hattons of London is known for.
• Sustainable Investment: Recycled gold has a much lower environmental impact, offering you a way to invest in precious metals while also caring for the planet.
• A Beautiful Collector’s Item: This coin is not only a symbol of sustainability but also a luxurious and timeless collector’s piece, perfect for those who appreciate the intersection of history, art, and environmental responsibility.

You can discover more about this exclusive product here: The 2024 King’s Birthday Carolean Gold One-Eighth Sovereign.