10. What is the lifespan of a gold mine?
After exploration has taken place and an economically recoverable gold reserve has been mapped out, geologists and engineers determine the most efficient way to extract the gold from the ground. Depending on the size of the gold reserve and the cost per troy ounce, the mine can then produce gold for decades without any problems. Smaller mines or mines with a high cost per troy ounce will be closed earlier.
Source: Market Realist