Why is the gold mining industry important to developing countries?

Gold mining is vital to the fragile economies of many developing countries, which account for roughly two-thirds of global gold production.  In addition to generating export revenue in these countries, gold production provides royalty and tax income to their governments, technology transfer, worker training and the creation of a skilled workforce.

Gold mining can also bring substantial improvements in physical, social, legal and financial infrastructure. In many of these countries, gold mining is a foundation industry that often provides the critical mass for the development of electricity, water, road and rail transport in a region, that are the essential foundations of an economy.  For further information go to Society/ Overview.

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