CP: How 99% Pure Gold is Made – Inside Secret Gold Factory

Class Plans
Featured Image

Set the Scene:

Let’s start with some questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of gold mining and production. Have you ever wondered where the gold in your jewelry or coins comes from? Have you heard about the different methods of mining and their challenges? How do you think the value of gold is determined? What role do you think gold plays in the economy and as a store of value?

Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:

Look at the featured image and describe what you see. What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Do you think it’s related to gold mining, production, or investment? Share your thoughts and predictions with your partner or the class.

Introduction:

Read the introduction to the activity and get an overview of the topic. Gold becomes a valuable asset after surviving a journey through industrial processes, but its value starts at the source, where it is found through mining. There are three main methods of mining: open pit mining, underground mining, and placer mining. Each method has its challenges and risks.

Video Engagement:

Watch the video How 99% Pure Gold is Made – Inside Secret Gold Factory and follow the prompts below:

  1. Pause the video at 2:00 minutes and discuss the following questions:
    • What are the three main methods of mining, and how do they differ from each other?
    • What are some of the challenges and risks associated with each method?
  2. Pause the video at 5:00 minutes and discuss the following questions:
    • What is the process of gold extraction, and how is it refined to remove impurities?
    • What role does cyanide play in the gold refining process, and what are some of the concerns surrounding its use?
  3. Pause the video at 8:00 minutes and discuss the following questions:
    • What is the final step in the gold production process, and how is the gold melted and poured into bars?
    • What is the significance of the gold reserve, and how does it serve as a hedge against economic turbulence?

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Key Vocabulary:

Term Definition Example Usage
Open Pit Mining A method of mining where minerals are extracted from a pit dug into the Earth’s surface. Open pit mining is the oldest and cheapest form of mining, but poses risks to workers and the environment.
Underground Mining A method of mining where minerals are extracted from beneath the Earth’s surface. Underground mining involves two stages: development and production mining, and requires measures to secure the mines and prevent cave-ins.
Placer Mining A method of mining where minerals are extracted from unconsolidated sediments, such as gravel or sand. Placer mining involves rinsing and sifting unconsolidated minerals mixed with sediments, and requires extensive surveying to determine the amount of recoverable gold.
Gold Mill A facility where gold is processed and refined to remove impurities. The extracted gold is usually 60-90% pure and requires further processing at a gold mill, where heat and chemicals are used to remove impurities.
Cyanide Solution A highly toxic chemical used to extract gold from crushed ore. Gold is extracted from crushed ore using cyanide solution, a highly toxic chemical, or mechanical separation methods like centrifugal forces.
Electrolysis A method of refining gold using an electrical current. Electrolysis uses an electrical current to refine gold, with hydrochloric acid as the electrolyte, and can achieve purity of 99.9% through the Woolwill process.
Miller Process A method of refining gold using chlorine gas. The Miller process uses chlorine gas to refine gold, achieving slightly less purity, and is a method that utilizes a chemical reaction to purify the metal.
Gold Bullion Coin Act A law that allows the US Mint to produce gold coins that are legal tender. The US Mint produces gold coins that are legal tender under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, but the process is complex, involving buying gold bars, verifying purity and authenticity, melting and alloying to exact specifications, and shaping into coins.
Gold Reserve A stockpile of gold held by a government or institution. The US has the largest gold reserve, worth $683.73 billion, held primarily at Fort Knox, the Denver Mint, and the West Point Bullion Depository, serving as a hedge against economic turbulence.

Vocabulary Quiz:

  1. Which mining method involves rinsing and sifting unconsolidated minerals mixed with sediments?
    • A) Underground mining
    • B) Open pit mining
    • C) Placer mining
    • D) Surface mining
  2. What is the purpose of blowing crushed limestone dust on walls in underground mining?
    • A) To locate deposits
    • B) To reinforce structural integrity and prevent cave-ins
    • C) To remove unwanted rocks
    • D) To excavate the target resource
  3. What is the typical purity of extracted gold before further processing?
    • A) 90-99%
    • B) 60-90%
    • C) 40-60%
    • D) 99-100%
  4. Which refining method uses an electrical current to refine gold?
    • A) Miller process
    • B) Electrolysis
    • C) Centrifugal forces
    • D) Cyanide solution
  5. What is the main purpose of the US gold reserve, worth $683.73 billion?
    • A) To produce gold coins
    • B) To serve as a hedge against economic turbulence
    • C) To invest in cryptocurrency
    • D) To fund mining operations

Answer Key:

  1. C
  2. B
  3. B
  4. B
  5. B

Grammar Focus:

The use of gerunds and infinitives is a crucial aspect of English grammar, particularly for CEFR C1 level learners. Gerunds are verbs ending in -ing that function as nouns, while infinitives are verbs beginning with “to” that can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. In the context of the provided text, gerunds and infinitives are used to describe processes and methods, such as “mining,” “extracting,” and “ref