5. Uses and consumption

In addition to its traditional use in jewelry, goldsmithing and coinage are the main sectors in which it is used. Gold's characteristics are essential to many industrial applications: precision electronics and aeronautics, for its high ductility, malleability and conductivity; the electrical industry; the glass industry; chemicals; pharmaceuticals; eyewear; dentistry; medical technology. Electroforming is also a developing market.

Table 7 shows the evolution of the various employment sectors between 1995 and 1999, with jewelry, electronics and medal manufacturing the fastest-growing sectors.

In 1999, production exceeded consumption by 494 t, but in 2000 there was a deficit of 121 t and in 2001 a further deficit of 143 t (according to Gold Survey – CPM Group