Are we heading for a new gold rush in 2024?! The race to obtain the most precious metal is back on in France.
In the coming years, a location known for its "significant deposit potential" will be developed to mine kilos of gold nuggets. With official approval in place, France and Europe look forward to bolstering their supply of precious and strategic metals.
Limousin: The New Frontier
Historically, regions like Côtes d'Armor, Gard, and the Pyrenees have been France's go-to for gold mining.
Yet, the discovery in Limousin, nestled in the western part of France, promises to redefine the country's gold mining landscape.
Spanning the communes of Chalard, Ladignac-le-Long, and Jumilhac-le-Grand, this area, once known as "Bourneix" mine and closed in 2002, is rich with history and, more importantly, gold.
"Several tens of tons of gold" are believed to lie beneath, waiting to be rediscovered.
The locale's proximity to one of France's largest gold districts suggests that the buried treasures could indeed surpass the international gold grade average.
Beyond Gold
The exploration across these 39 square kilometers aims to uncover more than just gold.
Hopes are high for the discovery of other valuable metals like silver, tin, copper, zinc, lead, and nickel.
However, this isn't an open call for amateur prospectors.
The reins of exploration and extraction lie with Aurelius Ressources, a mining subsidiary with British roots, ensuring a controlled and professional approach to unearthing these resources.
Over the next five years, the company will assess the feasibility of establishing a full-fledged mining operation, with optimism running high for positive outcomes.
Environmental Concerns
Yet, as the machinery gears up, not everyone is in favor of this ambitious endeavor.
Environmental concerns loom large, with groups like Stop Mines 87 voicing apprehensions over potential pollution and water usage implications.
While the site operator's impact study admits to temporary pollution effects, the dialogue between progress and preservation continues.
