Gold mining is the process of extracting gold from the earth. This can be done through various methods, including placer mining, where gold is found in riverbeds and streams, and hard rock mining, which involves digging into the earth to access gold deposits in rock formations. Once extracted, the gold is often refined to remove impurities, resulting in pure gold that can be used for jewelry, investment, or industrial purposes. Gold mining has significant economic importance in many countries, contributing to local economies and providing jobs in the mining sector.